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Stalking Law Review Ignored: Families Fear More Deaths
21 Oct
Summary
- Stalking law review recommendations remain unpublished after six months.
- A father's plea highlights the risk to victims if laws aren't updated.
- Alice Ruggles' family campaigns for better stalking education and laws.
Victims of stalking face increased risk due to the government's inaction on a crucial law review, according to the father of a murder victim. Alice Ruggles was killed in October 2016 by her ex-boyfriend after a period of stalking. His trial prosecutor, Richard Wright KC, conducted a review of stalking legislation, submitting his findings six months ago, which are yet to be published.
Alice's family, who established the Alice Ruggles Trust, are campaigning for improved education and laws. Clive Ruggles expressed frustration over the delay, stating, "We've got to do something about this and that involves just the government acting. Get this report out." He highlighted that people continue to suffer and die from stalking.
The Victims Commissioner for England and Wales, Claire Waxman, echoed these concerns, noting that current laws leave victims at "further risk of harm." She criticized the government's progress, especially concerning their commitment to reducing violence against women and girls. Waxman emphasized that the legislation requires radical change due to its complexity and difficulty in police application.
Alice's case, where her reports of stalking were misidentified as harassment, illustrates a systemic issue. Campaigners are pushing for a clearer legal definition of stalking, consolidation of existing legal grades of stalking, and simplified procedures for obtaining protection orders. The government stated it is strengthening stalking protection orders and has invested over £13 million in specialist teams.
