Time To Bring Stalkers Out Of The Shadows Says Ellie Reeves

As solicitor general, I have reviewed hundreds of cases involving the most horrendous crimes. Murder, rape, domestic abuse. These are serious offences where victims suffer terrible abuse and trauma.

But what about a crime that is sometimes harder to spot? Something that can happen in plain sight or lurks in the shadows at the other end of the phone, or behind a keyboard.

Stalking is a sinister crime. Perpetrators want to have control of their victims. They are persistent and unpredictable. They want their victims to be intimidated, have their confidence shattered and live in constant fear.

That is why National Stalking Awareness Week is so important. It shines an important spotlight on this awful crime and opens conversations, so victims know that there is support out there. That they can share their stories and not suffer alone.

I am proud to be part of a government that has committed to halving violence against women and girls in a decade.

As Solicitor General, I work closely with the Crown Prosecution Service, who have prioritised tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG). And as part of that, they are getting to grips with stalking.

The CPS’s stalking action plan commits them to improve the quality and consistency of their cases, alongside working better with partners across the criminal justice system and improving public understanding of their approach.

Stalking is a priority in the CPS’s new VAWG strategy, and an increased focus on tackling the perpetrators will deliver better results for vulnerable victims.

Courts are being given more powers to impose Stalking Protection Orders directly when the defendant is convicted or acquitted, banning stalkers from going within a certain distance of their victims or contacting them.

And stalkers can no longer hide behind anonymity online. New guidance will support police to release identifying information about the perpetrator to the victim at the earliest opportunity.

No-one should suffer stalking alone, in silence. To be afraid of coming forward. To live in fear that no-one will believe you or think that support isn’t available.

We need to bring stalkers out of the shadows and let them know they cannot hide behind their keyboard or phone.

If you have been the victim of stalking or know someone that has, come forward and be heard.

Because we can only truly tackle the scourge of stalking and support victims by opening up, talking and reporting crimes.

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