We are asking for your help in putting an end to the misery caused to the lives of stalking victims being forced to face their stalkers in the civil courts.

In the Prisons and Courts Bill, which is currently wending its way through Parliament, we have the chance to make sure the gravity of stalking is recognised alongside other serious offences.

We know from calls to our National Stalking Helpline that stalkers often use the civil and family courts as a way of intimidating their victims and keeping up contact with them.

The cases they bring against their victims are usually spurious but, because legal aid has been stripped back, victims often have no choice but to fight their own corner in the docks.

The right not to have to take the stand against those convicted or alleged to have committed serious crimes against you, even in cases where the offence is not directly related is enshrined on a list within the new Bill.

We think stalking should be on that list.

As part of this, the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, which runs the National Stalking Helpline, is currently carrying out research on the experience of stalking victims who have been subjected to vexatious complaints (false accusations) by their stalker. Is this something that you think you could help with?  If so, we would appreciate it if you could spend three minutes completing this short survey: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/vexatiouscomplaints.

Your responses will remain anonymous and will assist us in bringing about a change to help victims of stalking in the UK.

You can also help by signing our petition to the ministry of Justice

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust will also be holding focus groups as part of this research, to find out more about the experiences faced by stalking victims who are subjected to vexatious complaints. If you would be willing to attend a focus group, please complete the contact details at the end of the survey. Expenses will be covered and participants will be offered a £20 gift voucher as a gesture of appreciation.

 

Thanks,