Miss England finalist welcomes petition for better support for stalking victims
MPs have been debating a petition to support victims of stalking
A debate over calls for better support for the victims of stalking is being welcomed by a Dorset Beauty Queen.
Miss England finalist, Samantha Bumford from Dorset was targeted for two years by her stalker, who was eventually imprisoned.
MPs discussed whether police forces across the country should be given more investment to use specifically on 'stalking advocates'.
It would enable police to dedicate more resources to spot the signs of stalking before things escalate.
Samantha said:
"I think it's brilliant that it's being taken so seriously. Having experienced being stalked by someone who, I wasn't the only one, there were 19 previous convictions before me.
"It's brilliant they are starting to bring it to light and they are starting to take it very seriously."
Jackie Barnett-Wheatcroft started the campaign for better resources in 2021 after the death of Gracie Spinks in Derbyshire last summer.
Over 100,000 people have now signed the petition set up by Jackie.
She feels the importance of the issue shouldn't be underestimated:
"This petition was set up because of what happened to Gracie and everyone else who's been a victim of stalking.
"This sort of thing affects a lot of families. Some people have to move away from home, while others sadly get attacked or killed by their stalkers.
"The police need more hands-on deck. I've said since I started this campaign, I'm not looking to point the finger at anyone. Instead, I want to find out what isn't working and fix it. That's what is important to me."