New lead for tackling stalking joins the ranks at GMP

• Since 2010, he has held various roles in safeguarding and vulnerability, including introducing a dedicated domestic abuse team in South Manchester
• It's National Stalking Awareness Week this week, where we are highlighting the issue and how people can seek support

This week is National Stalking Awareness Week (Monday 22 – Friday 26 April 2024). We, alongside partners, are spotlighting support services available to victims of stalking, as well as ways to report instances.

Experienced Detective Chief Inspector, Damian Simpson, recently joined the ranks of senior detectives responsible for leading our response to various crimes underneath Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). As part of that, he has responsibility for how we deal with stalking.

DCI Simpson started his career 27 years ago in Lancashire Police, before moving to GMP in 1999. In 2017 he went to West Yorkshire Police leading a force wide review on child protection and rape, before heading back to GMP to become the Detective Chief Inspector overseeing the City of Manchester South district. This covers areas such as Didsbury, Chorlton, Levenshulme, and Wythenshawe.

Whilst in this district role, he introduced a dedicated Domestic Abuse team. Positive outcomes for victims of crime more than doubled, and are the best in all Greater Manchester.

DCI Simpson said, “I have always had a drive for how we as the police service can get better at tackling crimes which predominantly affect women and girls.

 “Since 2010, so half of my career, I have worked in various roles in both GMP and West Yorkshire Police. These have focussed on issues such as safeguarding, sexual offences and domestic abuse.

“It is very fulfilling to have a role where you can make a positive difference to those who are vulnerable. Stalking is a really challenging crime to investigate and we have previously had difficulties keeping victims on board. That is something I am determined to change by working even closer with our Victim Services Coordinators and partner agencies.

“Stalking can happen anywhere at any time, online and offline. Whilst in Greater Manchester, most of our stalking cases relate to domestic relationships and come hand in hand with other types of abuse such as coercive and controlling behaviour, stalking can be committed by anyone, even someone you do not know.

“I want to apply the success we have had in south Manchester with domestic abuse to stalking and harassment force wide. I am absolutely committed to providing victims of stalking in Greater Manchester with a good service from us, so they feel reassured that they are safe, and we are taking appropriate action against those perpetrating this invasive crime.

“Moving forward, we will be growing our response to stalking, making better use of civil orders for stalking prevention and working closely with support services to make sure victims are protected from further harm.”

We would encourage anyone who thinks they are being stalked to report it to us straightaway. If you are in immediate danger, call 999, otherwise you can report online or call 101.

If you are not ready to speak to police, please reach out for support from the National Stalking Helpline: National Stalking Helpline | Suzy Lamplugh Trust