Stalking is a crime that affects almost one in five women and one in ten men over a lifetime….
On November 14, the Home Office launched an online consultation asking for views on how best to tackle this crime and provide protection for victims. The Government was asking whether specific offences of ‘stalking’ and ‘cyber stalking’ should be added to existing harassment laws and what training and guidance is needed for police and prosecutors. <br><br>The Home Office said that they are particularly interested in hearing from those with direct experience – victims, police and the courts.<br><br>Home Secretary Theresa May, pictured, said: ‘I have been clear that ending violence against women and girls is a personal priority for me and this government. <br> <br>’I am determined to ensure that victims of stalking have the protection and support they need. Thatโรรดs why we are listening to victims and looking at the legislation to make sure we have got it right. <br> <br>’We are also making sure that the police and law enforcement agencies understand clearly how to use existing powers to intervene early and prevent the terrible suffering and distress that victims of stalking experience.'<br><br>Speaking in Manchester, at the first of four regional events taking place on stalking, the Lib Dem MP and Minister for Equalities and Criminal Information, Lynne Featherstone said: ‘Stalking is an issue which profoundly affects many lives, often in devastating ways.<br><br>’That is why we included stalking as a priority in our report โรรฒCall To End Violence Against Women and Girlsโรรด, last autumn. And that is why we followed this up with specific actions to improve our response to this issue this spring.<br><br>’That is also why I am launching this consultation to ask for your views on how we can protect victims of stalking more effectively.'<br><br>The challenge for the police service and other agencies is to protect stalking victims by recognising the danger signs, by effective use of legislation and by effective and co-ordinated investigation, according to ACPO. <br><br>ACPO lead on stalking and harassment, Assistant Chief Constable Garry Shewan, said: โรรบThe police service has played a key part in working to recognise and deal with the harms that stalking can cause victims. All forces now have officers who specifically deal with stalking crimes, including assessing risk and supporting victims.<br><br>โรรบWhatโรรดs important to remember is that stalking isnโรรดt a โรรฒone offโรรด crime. Itโรรดs a series of incidents which when taken in isolation can appear trivial but when put together they become far more sinister.<br><br>โรรบThe challenge for the police service and other agencies is to protect victims by recognising the danger signs, by effective use of legislation and by effective and co-ordinated investigation.<br><br>โรรบAt a time when police budgets are under pressure, finding ways to share good practice and improve our response is critical and the work with charities and partners is more important than ever.<br><br>โรรบACPO will be submitting a response to the consultation and will work closely with the Home Office and the Ministry of Justice to ensure that a holistic response from the criminal justice system meets the needs of victims of this offence.โรรน The consultation runs for the next 12 weeks. Visit –
