Stalking is a pervasive and dangerous crime that leaves victims living in constant state of fear, hypervigilance, and distress. In an in-depth broadcast on BBC Radio Humberside with presenter Carla Greene, Sonia from Hull Sisters joined national representatives from the Suzy Lamplugh Trust to highlight the escalating crisis and the severe lack of adequate support for victims.
The discussion shed light on stark national data showing that between 2019 and 2020, an estimated 1.5 million people in England and Wales were targeted by stalkers. Despite this alarming prevalence, only 3,500 perpetrators were charged, and just 304 received custodial sentences. Furthermore, recorded stalking incidents rose by an additional 20% between 2021 and 2022, underscoring systemic shortcomings in holding perpetrators accountable.
During the programme, Sonia outlined the unique cultural and social hurdles faced by women from the global majority when trying to report stalking or escape dangerous situations. Language barriers, distrust of statutory systems, and fear of retaliatory harassment frequently keep women suffering in silence.
Hull Sisters continues to advocate for decisive legal protections, improved perpetrator interventions, and accessible frontline support services to ensure every woman experiencing harassment and stalking receives the safety and justice she deserves.
