Victims of stalking in Gloucestershire could be better protected by stalking order changes
The Home Office have lowered the barriers to stalking orders to better protect victims.
Changes announced today will see police officers face fewer barriers to obtaining court orders to protect victims of stalking.
Updated Home Office guidance means officers will no longer have to meet the criminal standard of evidence when applying for stalking protection orders (SPOs), and will instead have to meet the lower civil standard.
The victims minister Laura Farris said the changes would make "a big difference to how easily victims can access protection".
She said: "Stalking is a complex form of abuse, and it can have a devastating impact on the lives of victims and their families. Sadly, it can end in the most tragic circumstances.
"We must continue to treat stalking with the utmost gravity. Having doubled the maximum sentence and introduced a new civil order to protect victims, we know there is more we must do."
Gloucestershire father, Nick Gazzard, lost his daughter 10 years ago when she was murdered by her ex-boyfriend. It followed a domestic abusive relationship which involved stalking and coercive behaviour.
Speaking on today's announcement, Nick Gazzard said: "It gives victims some breathing space and they know they will no longer be contacted by their stalker. And if they do the stalker can be sent to prison.
"For Hollie, these laws weren't in place back in 2014 and stalking wasn't really heard of, in her case she did undergo stalking but she didn't recognise it either. I think this could've helped her in her time of need.
"It is a heinous crime and it ruins lives and end lives. The more support we can get for victims of stalking the better."