Between 2 and 15% of Western populations report being stalked, depending on the stalking definition used (Reference Tjaden and ThoennesTjaden & Thoennes, 1998; Reference Walby and AllenWalby & Allen, 2004). Doctors and other healthcare professionals are at higher than average risk (Reference Lion, Herschler and MeloyLion & Herschler, 1998; Reference Pathé, Mullen and PurcellPathé et al, 2002; Reference Purcell, Powell and MullenPurcell et al, 2005). The high prevalence, and distressing and dangerous nature of stalking are widely reported, but services for victims of stalking remain patchy. We examined what help mental health trusts provide for psychiatrist employees victimised in this way, and the potential demand for support from the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

In a study conceived and designed with the help of Drs Edward Petch and David Reiss, we sent questionnaires to the medical directors of all 115 statutory mental health service providers in the UK, and followed-up non-responders after 4 months: 65 (57%) responded. All but one respondent said their organisation would help psychiatrist employees who were victims of work-related stalking and 38 said they would also help with stalking that was not work-related. For work-related stalking, the most common types of help offered were: discussion with a manager (n=36 organisations); liaison with the police (n=31); discussion with the clinical team or educational supervisor (n=30); and support from the occupational health service (n=30). Less common were legal services (n=17); staff counselling or similar psychological support (n=17); changing the patient's care team (n=6); and psychological support sourced externally (n=4). Other types of help were reported by 14 organisations and included: financial support for security measures, advice from a trust specialist such as a security advisor or a human resources advisor, or from a forensic psychiatrist. The wide variation in responses, with many respondents not mentioning psychological support and very few mentioning practical interventions, indicates that locally available resources are inconsistent and that a central source of expertise, such as one provided by the College, might be beneficial.

Less than half (n=27) of the respondents thought a College service for stalking victims would be useful, 19 thought it would not be useful and 19 were unsure. Those who supported a College service thought it should provide: practical advice (n=25 respondents); psychological support (n=17); advice to the employer (n=8); legal support (n=1); and links with other Royal Colleges whose members are also at risk (n=1).

The Royal College of Psychiatrists has since established the Psychiatrists' Support Service. (This happened after the data from our survey were collected, and therefore did not affect responses.) It can provide members who are victims of stalking with telephone psychological support, practical advice and legal guidance, provided by other psychiatrists with appropriate training and experience. It can also refer members for specific legal advice or psychological treatment. At the time of writing, the service has helped a total of 148 members, of whom only 3 were primarily concerned about stalking. No employers have, to date, requested advice on how to deal with stalking. We hope that awareness of the service increases and that it can go some way towards meeting the need shown by our survey.