The UK government has unveiled a ground breaking proposal granting stalking victims the right to know their abusers’ identities. This initiative aims to enhance victim safety and empower individuals targeted by harassment, especially online. The proposed “right to know” measure is part of a broader strategy to combat stalking, including reforms to Stalking Protection Orders.

These measures seek to address stalking’s severe psychological and physical toll, emphasizing early intervention and coordinated support from law enforcement and advocacy groups​

The Home Office has today issued a statement confirming that victims of stalking are to be given new protections. Off the back of this, some media have reported that data protection could be a barrier to supporting stalking victims.

John Edwards, Information Commissioner, said:

“People reporting serious offences have the right to expect the law is on their side. Data protection is not a barrier to sensible, victim-led policing. With the right safeguards in place, our expectation would be that police notifying a stalking victim of the identity of the suspect would not breach data protection law. We welcome the government’s work to provide greater clarity for police forces and remain committed to working with them to ensure responsible and lawful data sharing.”

Link to GOV Article: Stronger protections for stalking and harassment victims – GOV.UK