Jane (not real name) was referred to PAS by police following a particularly distressing incident of stalking, domestic abuse and threatened violence.

Jane separated from her husband some time back following a long history of domestic abuse and physical violence, they are now divorced. Despite this, her ex-husband turned up at her home regularly and unannounced at all times of the day and night. He regularly sent her texts and phoned her sometimes up to 10 times a day, visited her workplace, either waiting outside or peering in windows in an effort to locate her. On two occasions he refused to leave until he saw her. Jane was understandably petrified, as were her work colleagues.

This behaviour is stalking, its impact on Janes mental and physical health and wellbeing was significant.

The PAS volunteer caseworker worked with Jane to understand and assess the risks she was facing. Together they developed a personal safety plan which included liaising with Janes employers, who supported her by giving her time off when needed, arranging safe parking and colleagues walking her to and from her car. Work colleagues were advised what to do if Janes ex-husband turned up at her workplace.

PAS were by Janes side through an intimidating and lengthy court process, where she needed to keep her nerve, particularly when facing her ex-husband in court. Her application for a non-molestation order and a prohibitive steps order to protect her and her children was successful. The Judge, her Barrister and Solicitor were really complimentary about the support PAS provided and were keen to learn more about the charity

Jane is now receiving counselling therapy to deal with the psychological impact, her home is safer thanks to the sanctuary scheme with new safety bolts fitted to doors and windows and a panic alarm and smoke alarm have been installed in her home.

Although Jane is still receiving support, she feels safer, her feeling of self-worth is being restored and she is enormously grateful for the help she received, I was so surprised my case worker was a volunteer I didnt think anyone would want to help me but they wanted to! They are so professional. This is something I want to do myself for someone else one day in the future