'Just a Kiss' - Raising awareness of stalking

In July 2022 the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner made a successful bid from the Home Office Safer Streets 4 Fund, securing nearly £100,000 for investment in a review of the response to stalking and harassment across North Yorkshire and York, in partnership with The Suzy Lamplugh Trust.

 

As well as funding bespoke training for police officers and staff from partnership organisations, conducting victim-focused assessment, funding was also allocated for the creation of an awareness-raising resource.

 

As part of the latter, the Commissioner’s Office commissioned a production company called ‘Rural Media’ to create a film aimed at 16–24-year-olds raising awareness of stalking.

 

Rural Media worked alongside the Commissioner’s Office, victim support agencies and the North Yorkshire Police Stalking Team to produce a script, hire actors and source locations for filming that reflected the real-life stalking and harassment scenarios taking place in North Yorkshire.

 

The film, titled ‘Just a Kiss’, is broken down into nine short episodes, which will be released day-by-day on social media starting on 12 October.

 

Just a Kiss follows the story of a young university fresher who, having met a man on a night out, becomes the victim of stalking.

 

The film chronicles how stalking can quickly escalate and impact the lives of victims and displays the perspective of friends and family .

 

Each episode of Just a Kiss will be available on our website www.northyorkshire-pfcc.gov.uk/justakiss

 

Advice on identifying stalking, how to report stalking and where to find support if you have been a victim is available now along with suggested social media comments and images to help promote the film: www.northyorkshire-pfcc.gov.uk/justakiss

 

Zoë Metcalfe, North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner said:

 

“We were delighted with the reception that the first two episodes of ‘Just a Kiss’ received at our Violence Against Women and Girls Event in July, and we couldn’t wait for the whole film to be made public.

 

“The events portrayed in this film sensitively reflect the experiences not just of victims of stalking, but their friends and loved ones as well. I would urge anyone who feels they may be a victim of stalking or harassment to contact Supporting Victims, where they can speak to experienced professionals offering help and advice.”

 

If you feel you may be a victim of stalking or harassment, visit www.supportingvictims.org, or call 01609 643 100

You may also be interested in: Commissioner Zoë secures funds to prevent cross-border crime and improve support for stalking and harassment victims - Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner North Yorkshire (northyorkshire-pfcc.gov.uk)

Office of the North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner

Harrogate Police Station

Beckwith Head Rd

Harrogate

HG3 1FR

': 01423 569 562 – Press option 3 for Media and Communications

': 07796 993 803

 

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Social Housing Allocation Survey

20's Plenty in Kirkbymoorside Town Centre

Extension to 20mph speed limit approved by North Yorkshire Council Highways Authority 

In 2020 a 20mph speed restriction was implemented on Westfields from the A170 junction outside Kirkbymoorside Primary School to West End and Tinley Garth. This was as a result of the Town Council’s application to North Yorkshire Council (the Highways Authority), in response to concerns voiced by members of the community about speeding traffic and the safety of pedestrians and motorists alike.

Last year the Town Council again contacted North Yorkshire Council to request an extension of the 20mph speed restricted zone in the town centre to include the full length of Piercy End from the A170 roundabout, onto Market Place and High Market Place. All due process has now been completed and the Town Council is delighted to report that its application has been approved. The Traffic Regulation Order will come into effect on the 2nd of October and will also apply to Church Street, Crown Square and Rivis Square.

It is hoped that this reduced speed limit in the town centre will have a positive impact on traffic and enhance pedestrian safety. The Town Council has also asked for a 20mph speed restriction elsewhere in the town, including on Howe End, Old Road and Gillamoor Road in Kirkbymoorside and Village Street in Keldholme but North Yorkshire Council have not been able to progress these applications.