National Centre for Cyberstalking Research form partnership with National Stalking Training Academy

Following the launch of the National Centre for Cyberstalking Research (NCCR) and its ECHO Research Project, the National Stalking Training Academy are pleased to announce a strategic partnership with the new centre. The launch took place at the start of the first National Stalking Awareness Week at the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) on Monday 11 April 2011.

The National Centre for Cyberstalking Research is part of the University of Bedfordshire and will work with the National Stalking Training Academy to enable the findings from the most up to date, relevant and widest ranging research around cyberstalking to be delivered via its training programme to those who work to prevent stalking and help support its victims.

Cyberstalking has received a great deal of media attention recently with a spate of recent incidents reaching national and international levels. The growth of the problem is something that clearly governments, charities and the public are concerned about.

The increased public consciousness and media coverage of this issue has driven the need for systematic academic research into the prevalence, motivations, impacts and risk assessment which will lead to effective preventions of and responses to cyberstalking. The National Centre for Cyberstalking Research aims to provide high quality research to help, understand and tackle the problem.

The National Stalking Training Academy was launched in March 2011 with the backing of the Home Secretary. It brings together some of the world’s experts in this field to help better understand this devastating crime and help train those trying to tackle it.

The National Stalking Training Academy is a partnership between the Network for Surviving Stalking and The Safety Net Associates Group, which is designed to offer a comprehensive training programme. It is backed by a team of experienced advisors and consultants from the areas of law and psychiatry and victims themselves.

The National Stalking Training Academy can be found within the CSP Academy a unique and innovative learning platform designed to enable people from any background to access the highest standard of training and specialist qualifications.

Speaking about the Partnership between the National Centre for Cyberstalking Research and the National Stalking Training Academy:

Professor Carsten Maple CITP, FBCS, Co-Director of the National Centre for Cyber Stalking Research said:

“We believe our research can be research that matters. We want to have an impact on the support that cyberstalking victims receive and working with the National Stalking Training Academy means we can really start to tackle the problem"

“The more we can discover, the better solutions we can offer and this partnership means that we can raise awareness among frontline workers such as the police force and key decision-makers"

“We believe that our partnership with the Network for Surviving Stalking and the National Stalking Training Academy ensures that our cutting-edge research influences this vital training which means that victims receive the best support.”

Dr Emma Short CSci AFBPsS Co-Director of the National Centre for Cyber Stalking Research said:

“We are undertaking key research through the NSS-commissioned ECHO project and working with the National Stalking Training Academy will ensure that those on the frontline will be aware of the most important issues.”

The Safety Net Associates Group said:

“We welcome the National Centre for Cyberstalking Research as a partner to the academy. In addition to the impressive group of experts the academy already boasts we can now offer individuals and organisations who train through the programme access to the widest ranging and most cutting edge research available. “

At the launch of the National Stalking Training Academy in March Home Secretary Theresa May said:

“Stalking is a deeply disturbing crime with many victims living in fear for years – this has to stop. That is why tackling stalking forms a key part of our action plan to end violence against women and girls. We welcome the new training programme which will help improve understanding of stalking and most importantly ensure that all agencies treat it as a serious issue.”

Chartered Forensic Psychologist Dr Lorraine Sheridan, said:

"For the first time, the very best experts from all the relevant disciplines have been gathered together to provide something that we have needed for many years. Stalking is little understood but suffered by many and this training is essential for all agencies involved in confronting this multi faceted crime."

Dr David James, Senior Psychiatrist and founder of the Fixated Threat Assessment Centre, said:

"The most important current issue in combating stalking is the education of all professionals in the criminal justice and health sectors about the harm it causes and the importance of prompt intervention, prosecution and treatment. Any initiative which fosters progress in this direction is to be welcomed."

Alexis Bowater, Chief Executive of the Network for Surviving Stalking said:

“Training is absolutely vital to understanding and tackling this horrific crime. Stalking needs to be taken more seriously and early intervention is the key. We are delighted to be working with The Safety Net Associates Group to provide a comprehensive programme, open to everyone.”

The Safety Net Associates Group said:

"We are pleased to welcome this initiative to the CSP Academy. Our goal in all of the fields we operate is to professionalise the individuals via structured education, training and advice, made accessible to all. We believe The National Stalking Training Academy has brought together the most comprehensive group of experts in this field and we are proud to be a part of it."

For further details about the National Stalking Training Academy please contact 0845 299 7144, email learning@cspcademy.ac.uk or visit http://www.cspacademy.ac.uk/NationalStalkingTrainingAcademy.htm