On the twentieth anniversary of Clare Bernal’s murder by her stalker and former boyfriend, the charity – Protection Against Stalking – established by her mother and others to raise awareness of stalking and support victims – will convene a conference in Clare’s hometown of Tunbridge Wells to examine the progress achieved and the work that remains.

The conference will bring together leading voices from the criminal justice sector, health, academia and organisations supporting victims to reflect on the progress made in tackling stalking, and to highlight the urgent work that still needs to be done.

Hugh Grant, Patron of Protection Against Stalking (PAS) said, “Two decades after Clare ‘s death have seen important changes, but stalking remains a pervasive and devastating crime. Todays’ conference is an opportunity to ensure victims’ voices are heard and to push for further reforms that can save lives. It is an honour to be a patron of PAS and open this conference.”

Tricia Bernal, Co-Founder of PAS said, “This is a bittersweet time for me, I would give everything to have Clare back and this time of year is always full of such sadness. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved at PAS and pay tribute to my fellow campaigner’s, volunteers and stalking advocates who have worked so hard and over a such a long time, to make the lives of victims of stalking, and domestic abuse safer. I will carry on sharing Clare’s story and my experience until stalking is fully recognised and understood and all victims receive the protection and justice they so need and deserve.”

The conference – ‘Honouring the Past: Shaping the Future’ – will see the launch of a thought-provoking video highlighting the impact of stalking, with keynote presentations, panel discussion and victims experiences, focusing on:

• Legislative & policy developments milestones over the past 20 years
• Benefit of properly funded independent specialist stalking advocacy services
• Responsibility of employers to be proactive ensuring safe workplaces
• Future strategies to prevent stalking and protect those at risk

Conference:
When: 10am to 1:30pm Thursday 11th September 2025
Where: David Salomons, Broomhill Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 0TG
Speakers: Hugh Grant, Patron of PAS; Tricia Bernal, Mother of Clare & co-founder of PAS; David Thomason Head of the Harm Reduction Unit, Cheshire Police; William Benson, CEO Tunbridge Wells Borough Council; Matthew Scott, Kent Police & Crime Commissioner; Emma Short, Professor of Cyberpsychology; Cora Valentine-Goddard, Family Law Solicitor

For further information, please email media@protectionagainststalking.org
Alternatively call Jan Berry on 07977497324