Cyberstalking is a pervasive and evolving threat, estimated to affect 1.6 million adults each year in the UK. This can be through connected-devices (mini cameras, location trackers), regular smart home devices (Alexa, Smart Appliances, etc.) and Software (Malware, Spyware, Stalkerware). The UK Electronic Surveillance Countermeasures ecosystem has emerged as a complex, often fragmented network. It is shaped by a diverse set of public, private, and non-profit organisations that respond to victim-survivor concerns about technology-facilitated surveillance and stalking. In this study, we aim to understand how these disparate actors interact (or fail to interact) to support a victim-survivor.  

We are interviewing (60-90 minutes Teams call) professionals across the ecosystem involved in alleviating the concerns related to electronic surveillance. The goal is to understand and identify key challenges faced by the services in supporting victim-survivors of covert electronic surveillance. We are interested in speaking to any orgs or teams within the police, government, private firms and charitable organizations. Below we provide an overview of the topics covered during the interview, but these can be altered according to the experience/background of the professional. 

1. Experience and Background 

2. Referral Pathways and Safeguarding Challenge: How do they help victim-survivors concerned with surveillance? What are the challenges related to ensuring the safety of the victims-survivors? How do victims/survivors respond to the process? 

3. TSCM Equipment and Research: The type of tools available and associated challenges/limitations.  

4. Legal and ethical challenges in supporting victim-survivors  

5. How the research community can support them address these challenges. 

We would be keen to involve professionals who may have insights into these challenges. Anyone interested in participating can fill the form and the team will reach out directly for an appointment.