Stalking victims must be “put above perpetrators”, says Action Against Stalking following possible new ‘Right to Know’ protection orders announced by the government this week.
A representative from the charity, who requested to remain anonymous, said that “stalking is traumatising no matter what, but not knowing who the person targeting you is… means people can’t move on and can’t defend themselves”.
The current legislation means that these orders can only be made by the courts if the police directly apply for them. The ‘Right to Know’ act would allow police to disclose the identity of online stalkers to their victims at the earliest opportunity. It would also grant victims more protection from the perpetrators by improving access to restraining and no contact orders.
1,049 people in Bristol were victims of stalking in 2021, the highest number in the entire south-west region. Although many charities do provide support for stalking victims, there are currently no dedicated services within Bristol.
The representative for Action Against Stalking is also calling for conversations around stalking to change, claiming that frequent light-hearted jokes about the issue minimise its severity.
Under the new measures, courts would be given powers to impose Stalking Protection Orders immediately upon conviction or even acquittal if evidence suggests the perpetrator could remain a threat.
It comes after the Government has committed to accepting or partially accepting all recommendations from a complaint led by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, a charity purely dedicated to supporting victims of stalking.
Emma Lingley-Clark from the trust said they “welcomed the introduction of these new protections for victims of stalking which are so urgently needed.”
“We hope these changes will begin a transformation of the way all agencies work together… to better support those affected.”
Comments from MPs:
- “Let us be clear. We will use every tool available to us to give more power to victims and take it away from the hands of their abusers. Today’s measures are an important part of our cross government mission to halve violence against women and girls in a decade.” – Yvette Cooper, Home Secretary.
- “As a victim of stalking myself, I know just how terrifying it can be to be subject to such controlling behaviour. These measures are just the first step and we will do more to crack down on this sickening crime which nobody deserves to experience.” – Jess Phillips, Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls.
Further Information:
If you’ve been affected by these issues, contact:
- National Stalking Helpline: 0808 802 0300
- Avon and Somerset Victim Support: 0300 303 1972
- Or in an emergency, dial 999.
