Wiltshire charity boss encouraged by Wimbledon action against Raducanu stalker
The All England Club blocked a man's efforts to get tickets for the tournament despite a restraining order against the 2021 US Open champion
A domestic abuse charity in Wiltshire says it's encouraging stalking is being taken seriously by major organisations.
It was revealed this week that a man previously given a restraining order for stalking tennis star Emma Raducanu, attempted to get tickets for this years Wimbledon tournament.
However, the All England Tennis Club's security system spotted his name and blocked his attempts to get courtside.
FearFree CEO, Debbie Beadle tells us the 22-year-old's experience is the same as those being supported by the charity.
"What we hear from people affected by stalking is that they often feel trapped in their own homes.
"Something as simple as just walking out the door, wondering if someone's waiting out there. That horrible feeling of just feeling watched," she said.
For people in everyday society, it can have even further reaching impacts, jeopardising employment, cutting friendship networks and leaving people afraid to go out, which see's them cut off from the help they need.
Hope Wimbledon example filters into wider society
Debbie called stalking "a very targeted abuse". It see's perpetrator's often obsess over an individual and make unwanted advances.
She told us that it's vital companies acknowledge their responsibility to look after staff.
"It can be really challenging for people affected, and that's why it's really important that businesses do take it seriously and protect the individuals that they have it under employment."
Debbie said she's hopeful that Wimbledon's action will filter into society and see other organisations ensure safeguards are in place.
Debbie also called for other sporting organisations to be vigilant of competitors experiencing stalking, with perpetrators able to know in advance where a person will be thanks to competition schedules.
Stars must keep speaking up
The FearFree boss said it's crucial sports stars continue to speak about how domestic abuse issues impact that, as it reminds others that they are not alone.
Earlier this week, another British tennis star, Katie Boulter, told of the persistent online abuse she suffered, especially following losses.
Debbie said: "Having people in the public eye that talk about these issues and where people can see the emotional impact and other impacts it can have on them really helps our work because I think it's really sometimes difficult for people who aren't in situations of domestic abuse or keying or sexual violence to understand the impact on the victims."
She said what is happening to sports players is also happening to other women in society, with similar impacts on their wellbeing.