Ministry of Justice promises to 'quadruple' funding for stalking support services
Both the Home Secretary & Derbyshire Police have responded the prevention of future deaths report following the inquest into Gracie Spinks' death
The home secretary has promised to quadruple funding for stalking victims and witness support services by the end of 2025 after the death of Derbyshire's Gracie Spinks.
It comes following responses from the Home Secretary and Derbyshire Police after a report was set up - once the inquest into Gracie's death had concluded late last year.
Gracie was killed by her stalker - Michael Sellers in Duckmanton in 2021.
She had previously reported him to the Police in the months leading up to her death.
Derbyshire Police have also outlined five areas where they've made improvements in relation to handling stalking complaints since Gracie's death.
In response to these developments, Gracie's parents - Richard and Alison - have released the following statement:
"We have now received comprehensive responses from the Home Secretary Rt Hon James Cleverly MP and Ms Rachel Swann QPM, Chief Constable of the Derbyshire Constabulary to the Prevention of Future Deaths Report.
"We would like to thank the Home Secretary and the Chief Constable for supporting focussed, practical and effective change in the policing of stalking across Derbyshire and nationwide. Victims will really benefit from the changes that have been implemented and will receive the protection they need and deserve. The recommendations made by the coroner have been adopted by Derbyshire Constabulary and it is clear that the Chief Constable is delivering on the promise to make largescale organisational improvements.
"The winds of change have finally begun to blow through policing.
"Gracie in life and death has helped to create a better world."