Stalking: Murder in slow motion

One in five women and one in ten men will be the victims of stalking at some point in their lifetime. A daunting statistic I’m sure anyone would agree, but what’s being done to tackle the widespread, but relatively unspoken about problem?

The UK’s first Stalking Clinic will be launched this week, with the hope of assessing and treating stalkers. Although the first reaction for many might be to sympathise with their victims, stalkers, like sex offenders, are repeat offenders and without treatment, many will simply go on to repeat their actions. Effectively, this treatment is as essential to the victims.

For this reason, it’s vital to tackle the issue as soon as it’s a recognised problem to prevent the situation accelerating until it is irreconcilable. In more than three quarters of cases involving people murdered by ex-partners, stalking is recognised as a contributing factor, which is why it is sometimes referred to as “murder in slow motion”.

Prosecutors have commented that it’s difficult to bring cases to court, but every year five million people suffer incidents of stalking or harassment in some form. Stalking is not currently a criminal offence in the UK, and most cases are prosecuted under other offences, usually harassment.

Last month, the Home Office launched a consultation into stalking. Then Home Secretary Theresa May said: “I have been clear that ending violence against women and girls is a personal priority for me and this government. I am determined to ensure that victims of stalking have the protection and support they need.” Current Home Office Minister Lynne Featherstone has also added: “I’ve made stalking one of my priorities and it’s included in the Government’s report ‘Call To End Violence Against Women and Girls’.”

Punishment won’t fix behavioural patterns or psychological issues, rehabilitation is required for the perpetrator so they don’t repeat their actions, or allow situations to escalate into tragedy.

The NSC will assess stalkers referred by other agencies including the Courts, Police, Probation, Service and the National Health Service. It will be run by Barnet Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust

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