Richard Spinks: Police forces across the country becoming 'more open' to extra training on stalking
His daughter Gracie was killed by her stalker in June 2021
The family of a North Derbyshire woman - who was murdered by her stalker - tell us police forces across the country are now 'more open' to better training for officers.
Gracie Spinks reported Michael Sellers before her death in June 2021.
Her have since been pushing for stalking advocates at forces around the country, which is also something the coroner at her inquest called for.
We've been speaking to Gracie's dad Richard about it:
"It's just a shoulder to cry on. I don't think victims are afraid of the police, but a stalking advocate is a much softer approach.
"A stalking advocate in Gracie's case could've put her in touch with the right people and advised her with the legalities of it."
He's now hopeful that changes to the Victims & Prisoners Bill - which was heard in the House of Lord earlier this week - could save more lives.
Richard also wants more training for police officers:
"We've had a great reaction from several police forces with regard to making changes in the amount of training they provide for their new officers and their current officers.
"It's crucial that we see the inclusion of independent stalking advocates and stalking co-ordinators.
Derbyshire Police apologised to Gracie's family and accepted 'significant failings' following the conclusion of the inquest into her death last year.