New powers to protect victims of stalking NOT used by Dorset Police
A stalking survivor tells us she's disappointed Dorset Police aren't using every tool at their disposal
New powers to protest stalking victims are not be used by Dorset Police, 17 months on from when they came into force.
Stalking Protection Orders (SPOs) are a new civil power available to police which impose restrictions on suspected stalkers. They are designed to make it easier to curb the behaviour of stalkers, with a lower burden of proof required than for a criminal conviction. They can be granted by a civil court to police forces, and are designed to allow police to act at the earliest opportunity.
Breaching one is a criminal offence that could land you up to five years in prison.
Dorset is one of just four counties not to make use of SPOs despite a hike in the number of stalking incidents reported last year.
There were 416 stalking incidents reported to the force in 2019-2020, compared with 780 between March and December last year.
Samantha Bumford from Dorset was stalked for two years before the offender was brought to justice in 2019.
She told Greatest Hits Radio Dorset:
"I really feel like if that was offered to me, I would have snapped it up in a heartbeat.
"That needs to be offered to every single victim, I think it's disgraceful that it hasn't been.
"We need to all be protected, men and women can be stalked. Whoever it is being stalked needs to be protected to the highest protection they can give."
The annual number of stalking incidents recorded by police, excluding those still under investigation, rose by more than 652% between the year ending March 2015 and the year ending march 2020 - from 4,100 to 30,818.
And in the nine months of December 2020 - the latest data available - the number of incidents recorded reached 59,950 - almost double (95%) the annual total up to March 2020.
Detective Superintendent Gemma Morris, of Dorset Police, said:
“The impact this type of crime can have on a victim can be devastating and long-lasting and it is a priority for the Force to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.
“Dorset Police welcomed the introduction of Stalking Protection Orders as they are another tool that can be used to protect a victim of stalking offences. They are particularly useful in serious cases where there is a persistent offender and their behaviour is escalating.
“While we have not used any so far in Dorset, each case is considered individually to establish the most appropriate measures that can be put in place to safeguard a victim.
“Another tactic that is frequently used in Dorset is a non-molestation order. This is easily accessible for victims to apply for independently through a solicitor and is a well-established process that is effective for providing support and safeguarding to victims.
“Dorset Police works closely with partners and other agencies to encourage reporting and to support victims. The Dorset Stalking Clinic sees core agencies working together with the aim of sharing detailed information to ensure the best possible practice is followed in relation to safeguarding and crime prevention.
“In Dorset, we have three dedicated vulnerability lawyers who are there to help and support victims of stalking offences while their perpetrators are brought to justice.
“We are continuing to raise awareness of stalking offences with our staff and officers to ensure that victims are listened to, supported, and investigations are conducted as effectively as possible. All new recruits are trained in dealing with stalking and harassment offences.
“I would encourage anyone who has been a victim of stalking to have the confidence to come forward and contact Dorset Police. We are here to help and have officers trained to support you.
“If you’re experiencing persistent and unwanted attention, and the behaviour is making you feel fearful, harassed or anxious, then please contact Dorset Police online at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.”