Two new laws are now in force, making stalking a specific criminal offence for the first time. The new laws are part of a package of new government support to prevent domestic and sexual violence.
"Stalking is an appalling crime that destroys lives. The impact on victims can be devastating and we are doing all we can to make sure they have the protection they need and do not have to live in fear," says Crime Prevention Minister Jeremy Browne. "These new offences send a clear message to offenders that stalking is a serious crime and they will be brought to justice for making others' lives a misery."
The new laws - which carry a maximum prison sentence of five years - will provide extra protection for victims and help bring more stalkers to justice.
The Crime Prevention Minister also announced a package of extra support to tackle violence against women and girls, which includes:
- a £150,000 fund for Domestic Homicide Reviews to help local areas prevent future domestic violence tragedies;
- the launch of a new declaration against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) - a pocket-sized leaflet designed to be small enough to carry when travelling to help protect those most at risk;
- an additional £50,000 funding to support frontline agencies tackling FGM; and
- the re-launch of the Teenage Rape Prevention Campaign aimed at changing attitudes and stopping young people becoming victims of rape or sexual violence.
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