Perpetrator interventions play a vital role in keeping victims safe from further harm. Whilst we welcome resourcing to address this area of work, the Home Office’s announcement has led to some serious concerns.

It is paramount that specialist interventions for all types of violence against women and girls (VAWG) crimes are equally resourced. Data from the National Stalking Helpline shows that around 45% of stalking victims are targeted by someone who is not an ex-intimate partner, such as a colleague, acquaintance, or stranger. DA perpetrator intervention programmes would therefore not be suitable. The application of DA-focused interventions can also reinforce stalkers’ belief they are in a relationship with the victim, thus heightening the risk. We urge the government to recognise and fund specialist stalking interventions like the Multi-Agency Stalking Intervention Programme (MASIP) as best practice in managing all perpetrators of stalking. Through our work on our Multi-Agency Stalking Intervention Programme, we have seen first-hand the transformative change these programmes can lead to when they are evidence-led and working in tandem with a whole system approach that centres victims’ needs.

Parity of provision for both victims and perpetrators is paramount.

In a sector facing significant financial instability, this recent announcement also risks creating an imbalance across the sector. It is vital that investment in perpetrator programmes is matched by funding for specialist services for victims, including stalking services to ensure that no victim is left behind. We need clarity now on what that funding will look like given the demand and resource pressures faced by us and others, including by-and-for services.

We will continue to advocate for a system that responds to stalking in all its forms and centres victims’ needs throughout.