Tue 22nd November, 2011
University of Bedfordshire cyberstalking expert Professor Carsten Maple was chosen as part of a specialist panel to present at a conference organised by the Home Office.
The conference was called Partners working together to tackle stalking and harassment in Homicide Prevention andwas held in Manchester.
An online consultation was also launched asking for views on how best to tackle this crime and provide protection for victims – looking at whether specific offences of stalking and cyberstalking should be added to existing harassment laws and what training and guidance is needed for police and prosecutors.
The consultation will run for twelve weeks and can be accessed by visiting www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/about-us/consultations/stalking-consultation/
Professor Maple, who is Co-Director of the University’s National Centre for Cyberstalking Research (NCCR) and Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research and Enterprise), spoke on the existing levels of cyberstalking, its impact and how to dispel myths about the subject.
He said: “It was great to see that the Government, charities and the public are concerned about the growth of cyberstalking and are working together to tackle it.
“Cyberstalking is so easy for people to do and we hope that working together with the Government, various authorities and charities will mean that our research will help to confront the problem head-on and look at whether the deterrent is strong enough.”
The NCCR was established at the University to address the need for research and analysis of the increased threat to individuals and society by cyberstalking. Currently there is little research into this specialised area and the Centre has begun to provide high quality research to help, understand and tackle the growing problem.
Other speakers included real victims of stalking and harassment, Assistant Chief Constable Garry Shewan from the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), Cheryl Hramiak from the Crown Prosecution Service and Lynne Featherstone, Minister for Equalities and Criminal Information.
To find out more about the NCCR and its latest report, visit www.beds.ac.uk/nccr
Latest news» 2011» November» Professor tackles cyberstalking at Home Office conference
