Demi Caddy

The petition argues that the dismissal of the lollipop lady would pose a serious risk to the safety of the children who must cross the road to get to school.

This is despite a consensus amongst charities that domestic abuse does spike during the holidays.

Whilst Christmas may be the most wonderful time of the year for some, research suggests that there’s often an increase in instances of domestic violence during the holidays.

On the Women’s Aid website, Sarah Benson, CEO of Women’s Aid, said: “December and Christmas is a tough time for women and often the abuse they’re suffering is more frequent and more severe with women disclosing that they...

Seen as the beginning of multicultural Britain, the story of the Windrush feels important in understanding Britain today. Yet, findings suggest that little over half of the British public understand what the Windrush is. Whilst the fight against racism continues, pressure is mounting for better education on subjects such as Windrush, 77% of secondary school children believing that it should be taught in schools.

It’s been four years since the UK left the EU yet some EU citizens living in Wales continue to face challenges posed by Brexit.

Many of us around the world have been watching as the 2024 US elections have unfolded. Anxiously waiting to find out who would become the 47th president of the United States of America. With the results now in, its definitive, the controversial leader of the Republican Party, Donald Trump has come out victorious. Leaving those of us across the pond wondering what this means to the UK.

Staggering rates of violence against women and girls (VAWG) mean it’s now being considered a ‘national emergency’ in the UK, say police. The data suggests a 37% increase in crimes related to VAWG when comparing 2018 to 2023. With it accounting for around 20% of all recorded crimes. Now considered a national threat, the police response aligns with counter-terrorism. But, police say a whole system approach is necessary for tackling the issue.

Packing for any trip can be daunting. Throw in the additional stressors of possibly having to consider different climates, activities, occasions and cultures and you may be inclined to pack everything you own. After all, if you’re going to be living out of your suitcase for an extended period, you need to make sure you need everything to live right? Well, no, not really.

Although ‘stalking’ was only made a criminal offence in England and Wales in 2012, the phenomenon is neither new nor uncommon. In fact, recent figures published by The Office for National Statistics (ONS) say that 14.4% of people will experience stalking in England and Wales at some point in their lifetime. That’s roughly one in seven.

Although there are five types of stalkers, the most common and often most dangerous is ‘The Rejected Stalker’. Those being individuals who previously had a close relationship with the victim that has since broken down. This includes but is not exclusive to past romantic partners. Such individuals may engage in stalking behaviours as a means of reconciling with or punishing the person that they feel has rejected them.

Research has found that 50% of stalkers who fit ‘The Rejected Stalker’ profile will eventually act on the threats that they make. And studies point to a strong correlation between stalking behaviours and domestic homicide. But stalking can present itself in many ways and doesn’t have to include overt threats of violence to cause significant distress and psychological harm.

Yet, many victims of stalking may not even realise that they’re being stalked. Let alone understand the danger that a stalker may pose until there is an escalation in the perpetrator’s behaviour. If you are unsure whether a person’s behaviour constitutes as stalking the acronym ‘FOUR’ can be used as a tool to assess the situation. If someone’s behaviour, is Fixated, Obsessive, Unwanted and Repeated then it is stalking and should be treated accordingly. Earlier this year, the Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales said ‘Early intervention is key to protect victims’ when referring to cases of stalking.

Stalking behaviours have been around for centuries and anyone can be a victim of stalking, regardless of age, gender, or status. If you feel like you may be a victim of stalking it is important that you report it as soon as possible.



Paladin provides six golden rules for anybody experiencing stalking:
1. Report it as early as possible to the police and tell others what is happening
2. Ensure you get good practical advice – contact us or call the National Stalking Helpline
3. Proactive evidence collection – keep all the evidence
4. Overview of what is happening – keep a diary
5. Risk Checklist – complete the Stalking DASH.
6. Trust your instinct
Support available:
National Stalking Helpline
Telephone: 0808 802 0300
Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4pm (except Wednesday 9:30am to 8pm)National Stalking Helpline
Find out about call charges

You can also contact:
• Paladin National Stalking Advocacy Service
• Protection Against Stalking