The families of two women murdered by violent ex-partners have expressed relief after strong new laws to tackle stalking passed. The fathers of victims Alice Ruggles and Hollie Gazzard said an expansion of 'right to know' rules will be transformative for people being targeted online.
New Measures in the Crime and Policing Act
Police will now be required to share the identity of online stalkers with their victims as quickly as possible after tracking them down. This comes after campaigners warned that being targeted by anonymous accounts is one of the most frightening aspects of stalking. The Crime and Policing Act, which has passed its final Parliamentary hurdle, also gives courts tougher powers to impose Stalking Protection Orders, even if a suspect is acquitted.
Voices from the Families
Clive Ruggles, whose daughter Alice, 24, was murdered by her stalker ex-boyfriend, said: 'Unless you have been a stalking victim, or close to one, it is hard to imagine just how distressing those endless repeated, and often vile, intrusions can be. And not even to know who is responsible, what is motivating them, takes this to another level. I strongly welcome this move to help people find out more quickly who is stalking them online.'
Nick Gazzard, whose 20-year-old daughter Hollie was stabbed to death at the hairdressers where she worked, said: 'Stalking destroys lives, not just through individual incidents but through the constant, cumulative fear it creates. Too many victims have been left in a state of uncertainty and danger because systems have not moved quickly enough to recognise ongoing risk. As Hollie’s dad, who was stalked before she was killed by her jealous ex-partner, this is something I know only too well.'
Government and Advocacy Support
Jess Phillips, Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, said: 'As a victim of stalking myself, I know just how terrifying and all‑consuming this crime can be. When we came into government, we made clear that we would crack down on stalking as part of our mission to halve violence against women and girls within a decade. Seeing these measures pass into law is an important step forward in putting victims first and rooting out this vile crime.'
According to the Crime Survey for England and Wales, more than 1.4 million people over 16 experienced stalking last year alone. Jane Harvey, chief executive of the Hollie Gazzard Trust, said: 'These reforms send a clear message that stalking will be taken more seriously, that victims’ safety comes first, and that perpetrators will no longer be able to rely on delay and anonymity to continue their abuse.'
The Paladin National Stalking Advocacy Service called the legislation a significant step forward. Chief operating officer Louise said: 'In cases where the stalker is unknown to the victim, we consistently hear how not knowing who is behind the behaviour can leave victims living in fear. The introduction of statutory Right to Know guidance is therefore a vital shift. It will allow police to lawfully disclose the identity of online stalkers at an earlier stage, helping victims better understand the threat, assess their safety, and regain a sense of control.'
Claire Waxman, Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales, welcomed the extension of Stalking Protection Orders, noting that 'in stalking cases, speed is critical, and our overburdened court system can still slow access to protection. It is therefore encouraging that the Government has given assurances it will consider quicker, police‑led safeguards, including Stalking Protection Notices.'
