News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Emotional-abuse-MAIN_article_image.jpg
Emotional abuse
UK News

Stalking a Church problem too, says charity on sentence change

by Aaron James

Mandy Marshall, from Restored, was speaking after the government announced it will double the maximum sentences for stalking offences from five to ten years in prison.

The maximum sentence is also doubling for stalking offences which are religiously or racially aggravated, from seven to 14 years in jail.

Marshall said the increase in sentences was a "good thing", adding that Christians need to be aware stalking happens in churches too and victims must be adequately supported when it does.

Campaigners and politicians have been urging the government to introduce tougher punishments for the crime for years.

Last month ministers announced plans for Stalking Protection Orders which mean suspects could be ordered to stay away from their targets or have their internet use restricted, even if they haven't been arrested or charged yet.

Around 1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men are stalked

194 people were convicted of stalking in 2015

They received an average of 14 months in prison

Speaking on Premier's News Hour, Mandy Marshall said: "At Restored we think this is a good thing.

"The depression and anxiety that results from being stalked, the sleep disturbances, the paranoia, agoraphobia, even post-traumatic stress disorder in some cases, affects victims lives on a day to day basis.

"Churches need to be aware of stalking and particularly where the stalker is there and using the church as an open space, there needs to be a level of awareness... and to hold perpetrators to account and to challenge them appropriately and safely."

Justice Minister Sam Gyimah said: "Stalkers torment their victims and can make everyday life almost unbearable. We are doubling the maximum sentences available to the courts so these awful crimes can be properly punished.

"We are also working across the criminal justice system to ensure mental health issues associated with these crimes are properly addressed."

Listen to Premier's Alex Williams speaking to Mandy Marshall on the News Hour:

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate