Two new laws designed to protect the victims of stalking came into force earlier this week and will sit alongside ones of harassment in the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. The new offence of ‘stalking’ carries a maximum six-month sentence and that of ‘stalking involving a fear of violence or serious distress’ carries a maximum five years in prison.
Over a lifetime, almost one in five women and one in ten men are affected by stalking. In addition to this, a recent survey has shown that a third of victims have lost their job, suffered a relationship breakdown, or been forced to move home as a result of being stalked. The new stalking laws have been designed to bring more perpetrators to justice, provide extra protection for victims, and highlight the serious impact stalking can have on the lives of victims.
Police and prosecutors have also been given special guidance and training on the two new offences and have been given new powers of entry to investigate stalking offences to help secure the evidence needed to bring perpetrators to justice.
These laws have been introduced alongside a raft of other supportive measures designed to tackle violence against women and girls. Violence against women is a still a major problem in Britain and, indeed, in our local area. In 2011 there were 1573 instances of domestic violence reported in the borough of Bromley and 250 incidents of sexual assault, including rape.
Commenting on the news, Bob said:
“Stalking is an abhorrent crime which can destroy people’s lives and these new laws forcefully convey the message that it will not be tolerated. The criminalisation of stalking is especially welcome in light of the recent spate of high profile incidents in London. They will bring peace of mind to residents here in Bromley and Chislehurst, but it is essential that victims do not suffer in silence – seek advice from the National Stalking Helpline and report incidents to the Police as early as possible.”
If you have been affected by stalking or harassment, call the free National Stalking Helpline for information and advice on: 0808 802 0300.
Further advice is also available here: http://www.suzylamplugh.org/personal-safety/personal-safety-tips/victims-of-stalking/