Stalking is a crime that occurs when someone harasses or targets another person they have an obsession with more than once. Their repeated behavior and actions can leave the victim feeling scared or distressed, both on and offline. Examples of stalking include following someone, spying on them, stealing their identity, adding tracking software to their devices, and going uninvited into their home. Stalking and harassment are similar offenses, and the police can help regardless of uncertainty about whether the actions would be considered stalking.
For victims of stalking, whether online or in person, the constant stream of abusive or threatening messages can be incredibly distressing. Nicola Thorp, a former Coronation Street actress, experienced this firsthand when she was stalked by an individual whose identity the police would not reveal until his arrest. This lack of transparency left Nicola living in fear until she saw him in court. Nicola has campaigned for people in her situation to have the Right to Know the identity of their stalkers, which has now been promised in the metro’s campaign.
The metro’s campaign, titled This Is Not Right, aims to address the epidemic of violence against women by shining a light on the sheer scale of the issue. With the help of partners at Women’s Aid, the campaign seeks to engage and empower readers on the issue of violence against women and provide a platform for survivors to share their stories. The Right to Know guidance will empower the police to reveal the identity of an online stalker to their victims early on, allowing victims to regain a sense of control over their situation.
The measures to tackle stalking go beyond just revealing the identity of stalkers; the government is reviewing existing stalking legislation to enable police officers to take action more quickly. They are also publishing guidance to ensure collaboration with health care professionals, probation officers, and local services to tackle stalkers and protect victims. Furthermore, courts will have the power to impose protection orders on perpetrators after conviction, even without a previous order in place, to prevent contact from prison and protect victims.
If you are being stalked, it is important to report it to local law enforcement, keep contact with the stalker to a minimum, and keep records of incidents, witnesses, and descriptions of the person harassing you. Seeking support from trusted friends, family, colleagues, or the National Stalking Helpline can also provide assistance. It is crucial to secure your technology as well. These measures are the first step in combating the pervasive fear that stalking brings to many lives. The government’s commitment to making life safer for women and girls starts with helping those who feel consistently unsafe due to stalking.
