Hollie Gazzard Trust welcomes new guidance rolled out for stalking victim support
The government have released documents to improve access to independent victim advocates
Stalking victims across the UK are set to receive a major boost in support as the government has published its first statutory guidance on stalking victim advocates.
The guidance aims to articulate the support stalking victims should expect and assist organisations in providing consistent services.
According to Jane Harvey, CEO of Gloucestershire based charity the Holly Gazzard Trust and stalking victim advocate, the availability of support services for stalking victims has been inconsistent across the country.
Research by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust revealed that the majority of stalking victims in the UK do not have access to victim advocates.
Jane told Greatest Hits Radio just how important these advocates are: "It means that anyone experiencing stalking can have the support they need to navigate the criminal justice system.
"It's well acknowledged that cases without the involvement of a victim advocate often struggle to achieve a positive outcome in court.
"This guidance is incredibly important to safeguarding the lives of those experiencing stalking."
The guidance comes amid the government's plans to tackle and halve violence against women and girls within the next decade.
Jane told us that while the publication of this guidance is a significant milestone, there remains much work to be done to address the issue of stalking.
"Stalking typically involves repeated, unwanted behaviours motivated by obsession or fixation, making individuals extremely dangerous.”
She stressed the need for proper identification and recognition of stalking behaviours.
"Many instances of stalking are dismissed or viewed in isolation which can undermine their severity."
The Holly Gazzard Trust is committed to increasing understanding and confidence in identifying stalking behaviours at a basic level.
Stalking victim advocates play a crucial role in bridging the gaps in the current system and helping victims achieve justice.
Research carried out by the Stalking Consortium found that three-quarters of respondents did not have access to stalking victim advocates.
The statutory guidance aims to address these gaps in support and provide victims with essential tools and resources.