Mon 24th October, 2011
The National Centre for Cyberstalking Research (NCCR) at the University of Bedfordshire released its research findings during a launch at the House of Lords hosted by Baroness Howe of Idliote.
The NCCR was set up in a bid to address the need for research and analysis of the increased threat to individuals and society from cyberstalking.
The ground-breaking research study began last September (2010) and was commissioned by internationally-recognised charity Network for Surviving Stalking (NSS). It is the first research project focusing purely on cyberstalking.
Opening the event, Baroness Howe said: “The launch of the National Cyberstalking Research Centre is a groundbreaking move. The statistics they will provide to government, policymakers, law makers and law protectors will be invaluable.
“Already they have uncovered behaviours which we were uncertain of before and which their academic research has proved.
“The world-wide web is just that: worldwide. Cyberstalking is a crime without borders. We need a cohesive, comprehensive, joined up, truly international, approach.”
Professor Carsten Maple, Pro-vice Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) and Co-Director of the NCCR said: “We have been fortunate to have formed partnerships with organisations whose work ranges from raising awareness of the crime to both professionals and the public, providing support to victims as well as investigating and managing perpetrators of the crime.
Co-Director and psychologist Dr Emma Short added: “We would like to thank these organisations including the Network for Surviving Stalking, the Crown Prosecution Service, Safetynet Associates Group and NAPO, the Trade Union and Professional Association for Family Court and Probation Staff.”
Alexis Bowater is Chief Executive of Network for Surviving Stalking. She said: “We met to celebrate collaboration and cooperation in all its many forms. The NSS has signed a memorandum of Co-Operation with the University of Bedfordshire and we are committed to working with them to fight against stalking. Sharing best practice and information in a comprehensive, cross-organisational way is the only right way forward.”
The report can be found at www.beds.ac.uk/echo. For more information about the NCCR contact 0800 328 5334 or email nccr@beds.ac.uk
Latest news» 2011» October» Baroness launches University’s national cyberstalking centre
