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CPS Tackles Rising Stalking Amid Digital Threats
24 Apr
Summary
- CPS launched a four-year plan to address escalating stalking offenses.
- Stalking charges reached a record high of 7,168 last year.
- Plan aims to help youth recognize stalking behaviors, both as victims and perpetrators.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has introduced a comprehensive four-year action plan to confront a notable increase in stalking incidents across England and Wales. Last year alone saw a record 7,168 stalking offenses charged, with over 80% linked to domestic abuse, highlighting the prevalence of stalking by known individuals.
A central element of this initiative involves developing a "specific policy statement" tailored for children and young people. This aims to enhance their understanding of stalking behaviors, recognizing that many may not be aware of what constitutes such offenses in the digital world.
This plan also addresses the evolving methods of stalking, which increasingly involve technology such as social media, messaging apps, GPS trackers, and financial applications. The CPS is collaborating with technology experts to identify and counteract these sophisticated digital stalking patterns.
Additional measures include enhancing the training for police officers and prosecutors to better identify the control and trauma indicative of stalking. The plan also introduces specific data flagging for stalking cases, improving transparency and enabling more detailed reporting on prosecution trends.
