Victims of stalking will be better protected under new legislation that allows police to reveal the identity of online stalkers sooner and gives courts stronger powers to impose Stalking Protection Orders.
The measures, announced by the Home Office, form part of one of the most significant overhauls of stalking protections in recent years.
For the first time, statutory ‘Right to Know’ guidance will provide a clear process for police to disclose the identity of anonymous online stalkers at an earlier stage.
This responds directly to what many victims describe as one of the most distressing aspects of stalking — not knowing who is responsible, particularly when perpetrators hide behind anonymous online accounts.
Earlier disclosure will help victims better understand the threat they face and enable faster action to manage risk and prevent further harm.
Courts will also now be able to impose Stalking Protection Orders (SPOs) more quickly, including at the time of conviction or acquittal, where there is evidence of ongoing risk. These orders can restrict contact, limit movement, and require perpetrators to engage in behaviour-change programmes.
As reported by The Mirror, families of victims have long called for stronger protections and faster action to prevent escalation of harm.
Read the full article here: https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/families-women-murdered-violent-exes-37086101
More than 1.4 million people experienced stalking last year, highlighting the scale and urgency of the issue.
Nick Gazzard OBE, Founder of the Hollie Gazzard Trust, said:
“Stalking destroys lives, not just through individual incidents but through the constant, cumulative fear it creates. Too many victims have been left in a state of uncertainty and danger because systems have not moved quickly enough to recognise ongoing risk. As Hollie’s dad, who was stalked before she was killed by her jealous ex-partner, this is something I know only too well.”
Jane Harvey, Chief Executive of the Hollie Gazzard Trust, added:
“These reforms send a clear message that stalking will be taken more seriously, that victims’ safety comes first, and that perpetrators will no longer be able to rely on delay and anonymity to continue their abuse. As one of the UK’s first specialist stalking case workers, I supported a number of women targeted by anonymous predators, many of these cases had a sexual motivation. The level of fear experienced in these cases cannot be understated.”
The Hollie Gazzard Trust continues to campaign for stronger protections, greater awareness, and earlier intervention to prevent stalking and abuse before it escalates.