Given the recent events in Elswick, with Dipu Ahad, ex-Elswick councillor and a key figure in our local community, being found guilty of serious stalking and harassment and sentenced to 14 months in prison. Our Gender Equality Peer Educators have had enough.
We call on all women to use their voices, take their photo against our mural, share it on social media, and stand in solidarity with victims and survivors. Use the hashtag #NotWelcomeInElswick and tag us on Facebook or Twitter
Read the story in the Evening Chronicle here
West End Women and Girls Centre, Open Clasp Theatre Company, Newcastle Women’s Aid, Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland stand with women who are victims and survivors of domestic abuse, stalking and harassment.
Stalking is a pattern of repeat and persistent unwanted behaviour that is intrusive and creates fear.
There are many misconceptions about what stalking is about. It is not romantic. It is about fixation and obsession. It is a crime. It destroys lives.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported an increase in stalking offences from 23,543 offences in 2019 to 64,265 in 2020. Dipu Ahad, ex-Elswick councillor and a key figure in our local community, has been found guilty of serious stalking and harassment and has been sentenced to 14 months in prison. Anyone can be a perpetrator. We must stand against them all. We fully condemn his actions and the abuse of power he has demonstrated.
If you, or anyone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, stalking or harassment please contact support services below.
Newcastle
West End Women and Girls Centre 0191 273 4942 (ages 11-25)
Newcastle Women’s Aid 0191 261 0504
Rape Crisis 0191 222 0272
UK
The National Stalking Helpline 0808 8020 300
