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<p>The Government has committed £80 million to support victims of violence against
women and girls, including, stalking, between 2016 and 2020. This includes funding
for the National Stalking Helpline run by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust.</p><p>We have strengthened
the law by introducing new offences of stalking in 2012. In 2014-15, there were 1,103
prosecutions commenced under the new stalking offences, an increase of 50% over the
previous year (2013-14).</p><p>To mark National Stalking Awareness Week, we are raising
awareness of the increases in prosecutions and convictions for these crimes to help
improve victim confidence in the criminal justice system.</p><p>Additionally, we have
consulted on the introduction of a new civil Stalking Protection Order to tackle perpetrators
at an early stage to help prevent victims becoming targets of a prolonged campaign
of abuse. Our response to this consultation will be published in due course. Through
the Police Innovation Fund, we are supporting the police to identify ways to manage
the significant volume of online material in abuse, harassment and stalking cases,
so that evidence can be collected more easily and a strong case built to bring a prosecution.</p>
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