Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will make an assessment of the (a) sufficiency and (b) consistency of application of support and protection available to victims of stalking offences throughout the criminal justice process.

The Government is committed to ensuring that victims of stalking receive appropriate support and protection throughout the criminal justice process. Victims of stalking are entitled to support under the Victims’ Code, including access to information about their case, referral to support services and assistance tailored to their needs.

Victims of stalking may be eligible for special measures where fear or distress caused by the offence is likely to affect the quality of their evidence, to help them give their best evidence in court. These can include giving evidence by a live link or from behind a screen, where approved by the court. Through the Courts and Tribunals Bill, we are also introducing a new measure allowing eligible victims and witnesses to be accompanied by a professional supporter while giving evidence, such as an Independent Stalking Advocate.

We are strengthening the use of Stalking Protection Orders (SPOs) by enabling courts to impose them on both conviction and acquittal. In addition, up to ten police forces across England and Wales will receive funding to establish specialist Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Protection Order teams to strengthen the use and enforcement of court orders that keep people safe from harm including from stalking, domestic abuse, sexual harm and forced marriage. This is alongside a record investment of over £550 million in victim and witness support services over the next three years, to ensure victims receive both protection and support they need, as well as providing funding for the National Stalking Helpline, run by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust.