March 2011 saw the government publish a report with the action plan focused on tackling violence against woman and girls. A home office individual stated in particular it would review the impact of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. The final push towards this it seems has come from Lynne Featherstone (the minister of equalities) when she expressed her view on victims to stalking ‘it is quite clear they are being let down’.
Currently within the legal system there is no specific definition or act of stalking. The behavior is most commonly prosecuted under the Prosecution for Harassment Act 1997, however this is widely drawn and covers all areas of harassment. Resulting in critics claiming it is both misused and not specific enough to satisfy in stalking and cyber-stalking cases.
Following the governmental report in March and Scotland's move to make stalking a specific offence last year, the charity Protection Against Stalking (PAS) created a database of hard-hitting statistics aimed at encouraging governmental reform. It discovered that two-thirds of women who contacted the police to report a form of stalking were unsatisfied with their response. Also half the victims asked had been stalked for more than 18 months and 40% for more than 2 years, illustrating the longevity of the offence but also how hard it is to be dealt with and a solution reached for the victims.
All of this together resulted in the announcement of a review by the government to see if tougher measures are needed. It will be undertaken by the CPS, the Home Office and the Ministry of Justice. The main focus points of the review will be evaluating the fundamental question of whether stalking (and cyber-stalking) should become a criminal offence. It will establish how effective restraining orders are in these circumstances and will look into providing guidance and training to the necessary sections of the legal society such as prosecutors and the police.
Hopefully the review will be the final step forward in what can only be described as much needed legislation and stalking and cyber stalking will become an actual offence. Making it easier to prevent, protect and provide justice.
No comments:
Post a Comment