Government Proposes New Protections for Stalking Victims
The UK government has unveiled comprehensive new proposals aimed at providing greater protection and support for stalking victims in England and Wales. Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips emphasized the importance of giving victims “peace of mind” by ensuring they know the identity of their abusers at the earliest opportunity.
Current statistics reveal the significant scale of the problem, with approximately one in five women aged 16 and over having experienced stalking at least once. The proposed changes come in response to a major review by police watchdogs that found existing protections were inadequate, leaving many victims at serious risk.
Key proposed measures include:
1. Right to Know: Victims will be informed about their stalker’s identity as soon as possible, addressing a critical gap in current support systems. This will prevent victims from potentially encountering their stalker unknowingly.
2. Expanded Stalking Protection Orders: Courts will have more flexibility in issuing these orders, including:
– Ability to impose orders after a conviction, even if no previous order was in place
– Power to apply protection orders even if an accused person is acquitted, provided there’s sufficient evidence of risk
– Preventing offenders from contacting victims while in prison
3. Additional Legislative Improvements:
– Reviewing existing stalking legislation
– Defining stalking in statutory guidance
– Establishing a legal framework to improve inter-service collaboration
– Publishing new data on stalking offences
– Creating national standards for stalking perpetrator programmes
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized the government’s commitment to taking “every tool available” to protect victims and reduce violence against women and girls.
The proposals were developed in collaboration with broadcaster Nicola Thorp, who previously struggled to identify her own stalker until court proceedings. The changes aim to address systemic failures that have left victims vulnerable.
Jess Phillips, who has personally experienced stalking, shared her own traumatic experience of being threatened and contacted by a stalker while imprisoned. She highlighted the critical need for comprehensive protective measures.
Claire Waxman, the independent victims’ commissioner for London, welcomed the reforms, noting that the criminal justice system has historically struggled to address stalking effectively.
The proposed changes are part of a broader government mission to halve violence against women and girls within a decade. By providing clearer guidelines, expanding protective measures, and improving information sharing, the government hopes to give stalking victims greater security and support.
These reforms represent a significant step towards recognizing the serious psychological and physical impact of stalking, and providing victims with more robust legal protections and peace of mind.
