The Stalking Law Reform Parliamentary Project 2011-2012

In conjunction with napo (the Trade Union and Professional Association for Family Court and Probation Staff ), PAS has helped to establish a unique backbenchers parliamentary inquiry into the case for stalking law reform and improvements to training and victim support.

There will be at least four and possibly five evidential hearings (the first took place in July, 2011) and around 20 organisations and individuals are being invited to give written and oral evidence. MPs and Lords from all Parities will sit in on the inquiry. They will be supported by napo and PAS at all hearings and with analysis of all the written evidence.

The lobbying and meetings with key members of both houses of parliament has already commenced and will continue in the autumn. Successful seminars took place in the House of Commons in May and the House of Lords in June.

Harry Fletcher, the Assistant General secretary of napo (the Trade Union and Professional Association for Family Court and Probation Staff ) and Laura Richard of PAS have held meetings with members from both houses of parliament, including ministers and opposition spokespersons on Justice and Home Affairs. The response from parliamentarians has been extremely positive.

The initiative also calls for engagement with government departments and with the leadership of many other criminal justice organisations, such as the Association of Chief Police Officers, the Police Federation, The Magistrates Association, The Law Society and the judiciary.

Our priority is to gather evidence of the impact of the current situation on stalking victims and to support MPs and Lords on the enquiry panel with expert and technical advice and questions

This will be followed by the preparation of briefings on risk assessment, training and related matters, the writing of an action plan and its implementation and continued liaison with parliamentarians

We are developing a press strategy publicising the nature of the inquiry, the evidence presented to it and the contrasting experience of perpetrators and victims in the criminal justice system, the need for risk assessments, training and the turning of policy and practice guidelines into mandatory duties.

Keep up to date with the campaign by reading the PAS/napo Stalking Law Reform Campaign Bulletin

Bulletin 14 - June 2012
Bulletin 13 - May 2012
Bulletin 12 - March 2012
Bulletin 11 - February 2012
Bulletin 10 - January 2012
Bulletin 9 - December 2011
Bulletin 8 - December 2011
Bulletin 7 - November 2011
Bulletin 6 - November 2011
Bulletin 5 - October 2011
Bulletin 4 - September 2011
Bulletin 3 - August 2011
Bulletin 2 - July 2011
Bulletin 1 - June 2011

If you would like to receive a regular copy of this bulletin on publication please email us at info@protectionagainst stalking.org with the text ‘Please send Bulletin’ and we will add you to our mailing list.