Enhanced Protections for Stalking Victims in England and Wales
Victims of online stalking in England and Wales are set to receive enhanced protections under new government measures inspired by the experiences of former Coronation Street actress Nicola Thorp. The government has announced the introduction of the ‘Right to Know’ statutory guidance, empowering police to disclose the identities of online stalkers at the earliest opportunity.
Nicola Thorp, who was subject to a two-year ordeal involving harassment from a man known as ‘The Grim Reaper’, has been instrumental in advocating for these changes. Thorp was targeted through nearly 30 social media accounts, receiving a barrage of violent misogynistic messages, and only learned the identity of her offender when he appeared in court. Currently, the perpetrator is serving a 30-month prison sentence and is subject to a lifetime restraining order.
In expressing her support for the new measures, Thorp stated, “For too long, stalking victims have been at the mercy not only of their stalker but a justice system that failed to protect them. These new measures will empower victims to regain some much-needed control of their lives and help police bring abusers to justice.”
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasised the urgency of addressing stalking, describing it as a “horrendous crime” that imposes debilitating and vicious abuse on victims. The new measures, which also include making Stalking Protection Orders more accessible, will allow courts to enforce these orders even in cases where an offender has been acquitted but is still deemed a risk.
These reforms follow a critical review by police watchdogs that highlighted failures in protecting stalking victims, leaving many at serious risk. About one in five women aged 16 and over in England and Wales have experienced stalking at least once, underscoring the need for these legal changes.
The government also reaffirms its commitment to reviewing existing stalking legislation and establishing national standards for responding to stalking behaviour to foster consistency and improve victim support services across the country.
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