top of page

Jersey College for Girls Joins Forces with Charity to Raise Awareness of Stalking

9 hours ago
3 min read

Jersey College for Girls has teamed up with The Alice Ruggles Trust to educate pupils about stalking, helping young people recognise warning signs, understand the risks and know where to turn for support.


The initiative saw Year 10 and 11 students attend a presentation by the charity on 12 October, marking ten years since the murder of Alice Ruggles, who was killed by her ex-boyfriend in 2016.


Alice, 24, was murdered by Trimaan Dhillon following a campaign of stalking that escalated from controlling behaviour during their short relationship. Dhillon was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 22 years.

Through Alice’s story, the school hopes to help pupils better understand the seriousness of stalking and recognise when behaviour crosses the line into harassment and intimidation.


The partnership was established after Jessica Williams, head of the upper school at JCG, contacted the trust while visiting her native Northumberland, where Alice was murdered and the charity regularly delivers educational assemblies.

Ms Williams also shared her own experience of being stalked as a teenager, describing how a boy she had rejected began repeatedly appearing at places she visited with friends.


The behaviour escalated from encounters in cafés and bars to him waiting at a bus stop near her home and eventually sitting across the road, watching her bedroom window.


Her mother contacted the police after the situation left Ms Williams frightened to be alone in the house. However, she explained that stalking laws were not in place at the time, meaning officers could only issue the man with a warning.

Ms Williams said she wished she had sought help earlier, before the situation reached such a frightening stage.

The presentation also highlighted the final days of Alice’s life, including her attempts to seek police assistance shortly before her death and the discovery of her body by her housemate.


Alongside sharing Alice’s story, the session explained what stalking can involve and why it should always be taken seriously.

The school said the aim was to help students identify stalking behaviour, understand where to find support and learn how to assist friends or family members who may be at risk.


Figures from the Crime Survey for England and Wales indicate that almost 1.5 million people experience stalking each year. More than a third of victims are under 24, while approximately 80% of reported victims are female.


Pupils encouraged to speak out


Upper school prefects also attended the presentation, with the school encouraging younger pupils to approach them if they have concerns but feel uncomfortable speaking directly to a teacher.


Ella, 18, said hearing Alice’s story was deeply upsetting, particularly because stalking remains a relevant issue a decade after her death.


As a prefect supporting pupils in Years 9, 10 and 11, she said she and her fellow prefects could offer a first point of contact for students seeking help.

She added that they were available to listen and provide a safe space for pupils to raise concerns.

Phoebe, 17, also described the presentation as upsetting but informative, saying stalking was not discussed enough, particularly in the context of relationships.

She said the session had helped her recognise behaviours she had not previously understood could constitute stalking.

Phoebe encouraged anyone experiencing similar behaviour to speak to someone rather than keep their concerns to themselves, adding that pupils could approach her or Ella for support.


Jersey strengthens its approach to stalking


The educational initiative comes as Jersey moves towards strengthening its legal response to stalking. Earlier this year, the States Assembly voted in favour of making stalking a standalone criminal offence for the first time.

The school’s partnership with The Alice Ruggles Trust aims to ensure young people understand that stalking should not be dismissed or normalised, and that support is available to those affected.


Where to get help


Anyone experiencing stalking or concerned about another person can contact the following organisations:



Further information about stalking and harassment is available from Jersey Police.

If you are in immediate danger, call 999.


bottom of page