Suzy Lamplugh Trust wins Home Office action on stalking

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust has welcomed Home Office proposals to protect the victims of stalking after the charity played a key role in framing the new banning orders. From January 20th the police will be able to secure Stalking Protection Orders (SPOs) to ban pursuers from approaching or contacting their victims or visiting their home or where they work or study. “I am determined that we do everything we can to better protect victims and new SPOs will help the police to intervene and take action against perpetrators at the earliest opportunity,” says Victoria Atkins, Minister for Safeguarding and Vulnerability. Suky Bhaker (left), acting chief executive of the Suzy Lamplugh Trust – which is named after the 25-year-old estate agent who went missing in 1986 and is presumed murdered, said: “Today is an important step forward in the way stalking is handled in England and Wales and an acknowledgement of the suffering victims of stalking can face. “We welcome the introduction of Stalking Protection Orders and hope to see the new order complement the existing legislation to ensure that victims receive a proactive response when they come forward and report stalking.” The Suzy Lamplugh Trust was set up by the…