New protocol launched for tackling stalking and harassment

As stalking-related prosecutions rise, prosecutors and police are being reminded by the Crown Prosecution Service to focus on the devastating impact these crimes have on victims. Prosecutions for all stalking and harassment offences, using both new and older legislation, have increased by more than 20 per cent in 2013-14. In order to maintain this upward trend a new protocol was launched last week to ensure consistency of approach when tackling all forms of stalking.

The new Protocol focuses strongly on the needs of stalking victims and reminds police and prosecutors to:

• ensure that in every case the victim has the opportunity to provide a Victim Personal Statement to court and is able to read this out personally should they wish;
• fully investigate the reasons behind any victim withdrawing a complaint, ensuring it is not the result of pressure from others;
• ensure that victims are consulted on issues such as bail and restraining orders.

Rachel Griffin, Director of the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, the charity that runs the National Stalking Helpline said:

“Stalking is a highly complex crime that has devastating impacts on a victim and because of this we are pleased that the very real issue of online stalking has been addressed in the protocols. The next steps have to be to ensure that all officers are trained to ensure that the guidance in the protocols become a reality for every victim of stalking."

If you are worried about a stalking or harassment issue, please do get in touch with us - Sally Fitzherbert has experience of womens' issues relating to violence.

To see the original article which appeared in Family Law Week, please click here