National Stalking Awareness Day In Wiltshire
On National Stalking Awareness Day (Thursday, 18th April) domestic violence charities and the police forces through out the country will be telling people that stalking is a crime and that if they are a victim, they can do something about it.
Amendments were made to the law in November 2012 which now mean stalkers could face up to 5 years in prison and victims are better protected.
Last year the National Stalking Helpline spoke to more than 2200 people said they were being stalked.
Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, Angus Macpherson said:
'Stalking can have a devastating impact on victims' lives with the threat of being stalked leading them to live in fear and stop their usual routines.'
Hometruths is a Wiltshire based domestic abuse charity which helps and advises stalking victims.
The orginisation's co-founder Kim Swindon said:
'Stalking can be very open and obvious and women find themsleves being follwed or threatened by a abusive partner. It prevents women from seeking help and can pressurise women so much that they can give in to an abusive relationship because the feel so trapped and worn down.'
An event is being hosted by Hometruths on National Stalking Awareness Day help people understand stalking.
For more details you can visit www.hometruths.coop
What is stalking?
- It may be a combination of: Following a person. Contacting, or attempting to contact, a person by any means.
- Publishing any statement or other material, relating or pretending to relate to a person, or pretending to originate from a person.
- Monitoring the use by a person of the internet, email or any other form of electronic communication.
- Loitering in any place (whether public or private).
- Interfering with any property in the possession of a person.
- Watching or spying on a person.
If you have been a victim of stalking or harassment then you can contact the police on 999 or 101.