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Stalking Advocates

31 January 2022

Lead MP

Tonia Antoniazzi
Gower
Lab

Responding Minister

Rachel Maclean

Tags

Policing & ResourcesCrime & Law EnforcementJustice & CourtsEmploymentWomen & Equalities
Word Count: 11981
Other Contributors: 3

At a Glance

Tonia Antoniazzi raised concerns about stalking advocates in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key Requests to Government:

I urge the government to address the systemic issues that prevent effective support for stalking victims, including the lack of police training and funding for specialist services. The MP asks the government to provide more funding for stalking advocates within each police force to help victims and improve investigations. She seeks information on the number of stalking prevention orders issued since their introduction, the effectiveness of these orders across various police forces, and an audit of other offences recorded against perpetrators later convicted of stalking.

How the Debate Unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:

Lead Contributor

Gower
Opened the debate
I am concerned about the ongoing impact of stalking on individuals and communities, particularly in light of the recent death of Gracie Spinks. There is a need for greater recognition of the dangers posed by stalkers and the inadequacies of current legal frameworks to protect victims. The MP is concerned about the inadequacy of police responses to stalking reports, citing specific cases where women faced dismissal or inadequate protection. She mentions the tragic case of Gracie Spinks and highlights issues such as trivializing the crime of stalking, the misuse of social media for harassment, and the potential dangers posed by tracking devices like AirTags. The MP also notes discrepancies in the use of stalking prevention orders across different police forces.

Government Response

Rachel Maclean
Government Response
It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Sir Mark. I congratulate the hon. Member for Gower (Tonia Antoniazzi) on securing this debate and doing justice to this vital subject. The Government launched a fund for police and crime commissioners to run programmes addressing domestic abuse and stalking perpetrators, with an aim to improve understanding of what works in tackling stalking. Stalking protection orders were introduced two years ago to protect victims at the earliest opportunity and help address perpetrator behaviour before escalation. Since 2017, forces have identified improvements and published a national stalking and harassment improvement plan requiring every force to have a single point of contact for stalking concerns. The Home Office has tripled funding to Suzy Lamplugh Trust's national stalking helpline and provided £150 million for victim and witness support services, including ISACs trained by Paladin. A consultation on the victims Bill remains open until this Thursday, focusing primarily on domestic abuse and sexual violence advocates but also relevant to other advocacy roles like ISACs. The Government will publish a domestic abuse strategy seeking to prevent offending, support victims and pursue perpetrators with a specific section on stalking risks. A national education campaign about violence against women and girls is being prepared to change the misogynistic culture that supports such behaviours.
Assessment & feedback
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About Westminster Hall Debates

Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.