On 28 July 1986, Suzy Lamplugh, a 25-year-old estate agent left her office in London for a work appointment and never returned. Her disappearance shaped important national conversations around violence against women and girls and personal safety. It also led to the creation of the Suzy Lamplugh Trust by her parents, Diana and Paul Lamplugh.

Over the past four decades, her legacy has inspired action. The Trust has supported more than 100,000 victims and survivors through our frontline services and trained over one million people, including employers and criminal justice professionals, on recognising and preventing stalking and harassment, as well as prioritising personal and workplace safety.

It has also played an instrumental role in driving significant milestones, from the establishment of stalking as a criminal offence and the introduction of the Stalking Protection Act, to bringing about the Protection from Harassment Act and paving the way for national safety standards for taxis and private hire vehicle licensing, among others. But this anniversary is not only a moment to reflect on how far we have come. It is also a reminder of the lives still being affected today and the urgent need for further change.

Around 1.4 million people experienced stalking in England and Wales in the past year. Yet, many never report what is happening to them due to fears of not being believed or taken seriously. Those who do come forward continue to face significant systemic failures and barriers to justice as highlighted in the landmark super-complaint on the police response to stalking.

In the year ending March 2025, only 8.6% of police-recorded case of stalking resulted in a charge or summons, while just a woeful 2.1% resulted in a conviction. Stalking Protection Orders (SPOs) also remain significantly underused, despite being an important protective tool to help protect victims. This is despite our research which highlights the escalation of stalking behaviours and the potentially devastating impacts of stalking, including homicide and suicide.

There is also far more to be done to address harassment and abuse experienced on public transport, public spaces and workplaces, as highlighted in our long-standing campaigns on taxi and private hire vehicle safety, public transport, public spaces, and workplace safety.

Forty years after Suzy’s disappearance, the message is clear: progress has been made, but it has not gone far enough. Victims and survivors need meaningful protection, support and access to justice.

That is why the Suzy Lamplugh Trust is inviting everyone to join our #40YearsShouldHaveBeenEnough campaign by:

• Signing a petition calling on parliamentarians to put stalking, harassment and personal safety back on the government agenda;

 

• Donating to help ensure victims-survivors can access the specialist support they need;

 

• Joining a free 30-minute bystander training to build confidence in safely challenging inappropriate behaviour; and

 

• Adding their voice and helping to share why #40YearsShouldHaveBeenEnough.

At 12.40pm on July 28th, the Trust will observe a minute’s silence to remember Suzy and all victims and survivors of stalking, harassment and other forms of violence and aggression.

Supporters are also being encouraged to take part in a coordinated social media moment at exactly 6.45pm on July 28th, the time Suzy was reported missing. By sharing the campaign graphics at the same time, they will help amplify the message that #40YearsShouldHaveBeenEnough.

Together, let's ensure that Suzy's legacy is not only remembered but continues to drive action for generations to come.

Emma Lingley-Clark, Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, said:

“Forty years on from Suzy Lamplugh’s disappearance, we remember the person at the heart of our work and reflect on the change that has happened in her name. Suzy’s story sparked national conversations around personal safety and violence against women and girls. Her legacy continues to drive our mission today.

While we are proud of the progress made over the past four decades, we know there is still much more to do. Too many victims and survivors continue to experience stalking, harassment and abuse, and too many, continue to face barriers to getting appropriate support and access to justice.

We shouldn’t be having the same conversations. That is why this anniversary is not only a moment to remember Suzy, but a call to action. We need stronger protections, better support for victims-survivors and a society where people feel safe and are taken seriously when they seek help from stalking, harassment and other forms of violence and aggression.”

Suzy Lamplugh’s family, said:

“As we mark 40 years since Suz disappeared, it has been a time of reflection both in terms of Suz's legacy through the Trust, and also personally.   We recently came together with family and close friends to remember and reflect on her life and to celebrate the time that we were all fortunate to share with her.  She was, as she is always portrayed, a truly beautiful person inside and out.  Everyone who met Suz was touched by her kindness, empathy, strength of character and joy for life.

Within months of her disappearance, our parents founded the Suzy Lamplugh Trust with a vision to help create a world where everyone can live free from violence, aggression and fear. We are incredibly proud of the Trust's work in driving change, influencing policy and supporting victims-survivors.

From establishing the National Stalking Helpline to helping secure national minimum standards for taxis and private hire vehicles, the Trust has achieved significant milestones in tackling stalking and harassment as well as improving personal safety.

We are very fortunate that as we mark 40 years without her, we can look back and smile when we think about her and know that her legacy and impact is ever-present, not just for us, but for countless people and communities across the country.”

The Victims' Commissioner for England and Wales, Claire Waxman OBE, said:

“Marking 40 years of the Suzy Lamplugh Trust is a significant milestone and a moment to recognise the extraordinary contribution the charity has made in tackling stalking and supporting victims.

I have had the privilege of working alongside the Trust for many years, and together we have achieved landmark changes in the way stalking is understood, recognised, and responded to. From the establishment of the first National Stalking Helpline, to securing recognition of stalking as a criminal offence, the introduction of Stalking Protection Orders, the development of specialist multi-agency stalking units, and the continued drive for better training, stronger responses, and improved support for victims – these achievements have helped to transform the landscape for those affected by stalking.

I hope the Trust continues its vital lifeline service for stalking victims for many years to come, and that we continue to push to ensure every stalking victim receives the protection, support and justice they deserve.”

For any press queries or to arrange an interview with a spokesperson, please contact the Suzy Lamplugh Trust at [email protected] or call 07747 611 308.