Stalking to become a criminal offence

Prime Minister, David Cameron, has today announced that stalking is to become a specific crime in England and Wales.

The announcement coincides with International Women's Day in recognition of the effects stalking has on victims - most of whom are women. Mr Cameron also made reference to the fact that stalking often leads to the break up of relationships.

Previously, victims of stalking were only able to invoke the protection afforded by the laws governing domestic violence and harassment, such as injunctions. Whilst adequate for couples facing divorce or involving other cohabitation disputes, these laws were never intended to cover stalking victims.

The news will be welcomed by victims of stalking and their families.

The government also announced that men in Britain accused of raping or assaulting women abroad could be prosecuted and tried in the UK courts. Mr Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, have pledged to sign up to the Council of Europe's Convention on Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence.

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