Cases Of Stalking And Harassment On The Rise
The number of cases of harassment and stalking being reported to police in the UK is on the increase, new figures have shown.
For the first time ever, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has included recorded crime data on the offences at a local level. Peterborough Today reported that 840 incidents of stalking, harassment or malicious communications were recorded in Peterborough in 2017 – a 184 per cent increase since 2015.
Meanwhile, the Yorkshire Post revealed that police in Yorkshire recorded 35,281 such incidents in 2017, which represented a 52 per cent increase on the previous year.
However, despite the fact that these offences are being more widely reported and recognised, the Suzy Lamplugh Trust still believes that stalking in particular is under-reported in the UK.
Peterborough Today pointed out that the government is in the process of introducing the Stalking Protection Bill, which would enable police to intervene earlier. The Suzy Lamplugh Trust is also being given over £4 million to help educate police officers about stalking and harassment.
Head of campaigns at Women’s Aid Sian Hawkins told the Yorkshire Post that mobile phones and the internet are increasingly being used for stalking and harassment.
“It is easy for stalkers to continue their behaviour online. They don’t need to leave their homes now to harass and stalk somebody,” she said.
As the victim of harassment or stalking, whatever form it takes, it can be difficult to deal with. If you’re going through a court case at the moment, make sure you’re working with specialist harassment solicitors for the best possible support.