JCG partners with charity to raise awareness of stalking

Jersey College for Girls has partnered with The Alice Ruggles Trust to educate students about stalking, and to empower them to recognise, and act on, the warning signs.

Year 10 and 11 students at JCG watched a presentation delivered by the Alice Ruggles Trust, set up after the tragic murder of Alice ten years ago today, on 12 October 2016.

Alice, 24, was killed by her ex-boyfriend, Trimaan Dhillon, after his controlling behaviour during their brief relationship developed into a relentless stalking campaign.

He was jailed for life, with a minimum tariff of 22 years.

By sharing Alice's story, it's hoped students will understand the realities of stalking, recognise the warning signs, and know where to seek support.

The partnership arose after Jessica Williams, head of the upper school at JCG, and from Newcastle, got in touch with the charity when visiting the North East of England, which is where Alice was murdered and where many of the trust's assemblies take place.

Ms Williams also bravely shared her own experience of being stalked.

Ms Williams said:

"One of the reasons this particular topic of stalking is so important to me is while I was growing up in a small village in Northumberland, we were quite a social age, we were 17/18, and I was asked out by a boy of my age.

"He wasn't someone I was interested in so I turned him down, thought nothing of it, and then unfortunately over the next few months there was a growing and escalating campaign of him just being where I was.

"He would be hanging out in cafes, in the bars I was going to with friends. That escalated to him being at the bus stop when I was getting off the bus coming home from sixth form, and then that culminated eventually with me seeing him out of the window - he was sitting across the road just watching my bedroom window.

"At that point, we did phone the police because it hit such a point where I was quite frightened to be in the house on my own, and my mum called the police - thankfully she was a social worker, and she was able to spot that was something that hit the threshold to get the police involved.

"Unfortunately that was at a time when there were no anti-stalking laws, so there was nothing that they could actively do other than have a bit of a word of warning to him, and thankfully that did work, but I probably should've called for that help a lot earlier than I actually did, before it got to that level."

The JCG school assembly heard the heart-breaking moments where Alice called the police in the days before her death to ask for help, and the phone call made by her roommate after finding her dead.

The presentation also has walk-through notes explaining what stalking is and why it is so dangerous.

The aim is for students to:

• Begin to recognise what stalking is and understand it should be taken seriously;
• Know where to go for support or information if they think they are being stalked; and
• Know how to help a friend or family member who they think may be at risk.

According to the Crime Survey for England and Wales, almost 1.5 million people experience stalking each year, with more than one-third of victims under the age of 24 and around 80% of reported victims being female.

Upper school prefects at JCG are there for students to speak to if they have any concerns, and they also watched the presentation alongside Year 10 and 11 pupils.

Ella, 18, said:

"It's quite harrowing knowing that that's something that happens, and has happened, because it happened ten years ago in Alice Ruggles' case, and to know that it's still relevant and being talked about now, is not something nice to think about.

"We have responsibility as prefects for Years 9, 10, and 11 so we act as a sort of channel - if they don't want to talk to a teacher, they can talk to us first. It's all safe with us and we're here to listen."

Phoebe, 17, said:

"I found it really upsetting. I feel like stalking is a topic which isn't really discussed as much as other topics, especially in relationships, so I thought it was really informative and also shed light on a topic that needs to be talked about more.

"There were things which I didn't realise were stalking and, after watching the presentation, I realised I was like, wow, I didn't realise that but then you start to think about and it's like, yeah, that is actually stalking, that's not right, and that should not be happening.

"Definitely come forward and speak to me or Ella (with any concerns). It's better to talk about it than keep it to yourself because that's when it starts to almost consume you, so definitely talk about it and we're definitely here to have a chat or answer any questions if you have any worries."

The States Assembly voted earlier this year to make stalking a standalone offence for the first time.

Support services:

Victims First Jersey: 0800 7351612 or email victimsfirstjersey@gov.je

Protection against stalking: Protection Against Stalking | Look Forward Not Behind

Suzy Lamplugh Trust: Suzy Lamplugh Trust

National Stalking Helpline: 0808 8020300

Revenge Porn Helpline (18+): Revenge Porn Helpline - 0345 6000 459 | Revenge Porn Helpline

The Cyber Helpline: The Cyber Helpline | Free support with online threats

Paladin Service: Paladin National Stalking Advocacy Service | Paladin Service

If it's an emergency, call 999. More information here.