News update from  'Action Scotland Against Stalking'

Tuesday, 4th May, 2010

On 20th April 2010 the Justice Committee at Scottish Parliament voted unanimously for MSP Rhoda Grant's proposed anti  stalking amendment to be carried forward to the 3rd hearing of the new Criminal Justice & Lisencing Bill.  It is hope the 3rd hearing will be concluded  before the summer recess and if there are no further amendments lodged, Rhoda Grant's proposed anti stalking legislation will become staute law by early next year. This will be the first time in Scottish history stalking will be recognised as a singular and criminal offence with  perpetrators  receiving  harsher punishments.

Stalking  is no longer a hidden crime. ACPOS are now developing training modules to be delivered throughout all Scottish Police forces and the Crown Ofice have recently produced a stalking awareness training DVD to be delivered to all COPF staff across Scotland.  Greater Glasgow & Clyde NHS have recently made a public announcement through the media of their intention to tackle workplace stalking through the development of specific policies. It is hoped this will model and encourage other large organisations to do the same.

Stalking is a pervasive hideous crime which destroys innocent lives. At last it is being recognised within every domain of society and with the new anti stalking legislation vicitms will soon receive the protection they so richly deserve.

Ann Moulds
Action Scotland Against Stalking