MSP aims to protect stalking victims with new members' bill

A backbench MSP is hoping to give victims of stalking greater protection from the "incredibly serious crime''.

SNP MSP Mairi Gougeon is bringing forward a members' bill to Holyrood that would, if passed, introduce new stalking protection orders.

While people can currently go to the civil courts to have a non-harassment order taken out against a stalker, it would be the police who would apply for a stalking protection order.

There were 1,372 recorded cases of stalking in 2016-17, according to the Scottish Crime and Justice Survey, more than double the total of 605 there were in 2012-13.

But the latest survey found less than a fifth (18.9%) had reported the most recent incident of stalking to the police.

Ms Gougeon said: "Stalking is an incredibly serious crime which can have a life-changing impact on victims, and which is too often not reported to police at all.

"While there are currently legal tools to tackle harassment, a non-harassment order requires victims to take legal action themselves through the civil courts.

"There are obvious reasons why some victims of stalking would not be willing to do this, not least that it may cost them personally if they do not qualify for legal aid.

"The introduction of stalking protection orders, allowing police to apply directly to the court where there is evidence of stalking, could help victims to pursue justice.''

Ms Gougeon has already won the backing of campaigner Ane Moulds, who founded Action Against Stalking.

She said: "Stalking is a criminal matter and the police have a duty to ensure victim safety and protection from ongoing abuse at the earliest possible stage.

"This cannot be achieved under the current system. I am delighted Mairi Gougeon MSP is addressing this gap in the law and provisions for victims of stalking and fully support the introduction of a Stalking Protection Bill."