I have experienced the unsettling ordeal of being stalked firsthand. Witnessing the repeated appearance of your stalker’s name can evoke a sense of dread. It’s a feeling that lingers, leading you to double-check your locks and hesitate before opening your door or engaging on social media.

Stalking transcends mere annoyance; it is a terrifying and incapacitating experience. Often overlooked, it poses real dangers and disrupts lives profoundly. Therefore, the recent announcement of an urgent independent review of stalking laws is not just necessary but critical. It is a step towards acknowledging the severity of this crime that not only shatters lives but can also tragically end them.

Having listened to victims recount the harrowing impact of stalking on their lives, I understand the deep scars it leaves. Many have shared their frustrations with law enforcement’s lack of responsiveness and the inadequacy of legal protection. This personal connection drives my commitment to ensuring that this review leads to tangible changes.

Richard Wright KC, a highly experienced criminal barrister, will lead this review to assess the efficacy of current laws in safeguarding victims and punishing offenders. Drawing from his involvement in the prosecution of the tragic case of Alice Ruggles, who fell victim to her stalker, he brings a firsthand understanding of the devastating consequences of such crimes and the imperative of legal efficacy.

The review will also address the evolving landscape of stalking, including its online manifestations facilitated by technology that predated existing laws. Stalking now encompasses digital surveillance through smartphones, social media platforms, and other technological interfaces. Consequently, our legal frameworks must adapt to combat these contemporary forms of stalking effectively.

While legislative advancements like the pending Stalking Protection Orders demonstrate progress, more initiatives are needed to support the estimated 1.4 million individuals who encountered stalking last year. Our commitment to reducing violence against women and girls by half in a decade is deeply personal. It revolves around ensuring that victims receive belief, protection, and comprehensive support.

Stalking is not just a crime; it serves as a warning signal. Ignoring it poses further risks and potential harm. To avert tragedies akin to Alice Ruggles’ murder, action must be taken promptly. Let us not delay but act decisively now to address the perils of stalking and protect vulnerable individuals from its insidious reach.