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<p>Stalking is a terrible, insidious crime that can have a devastating impact on victims’
wellbeing. This Government is committed to protecting and supporting victims and is
determined to do everything we can to stop perpetrators at the earliest opportunity.</p><p>In
2012 the Government created two stalking offences to highlight stalking as a specific
behaviour, and through the Policing and Crime Act 2017 the maximum sentences for both
stalking and harassment were raised from 5 to 10 years’ imprisonment. There are currently
no plans to make further changes to the maximum sentences for stalking offences. Sentencing
in individual cases is a matter for our independent courts. When deciding what sentence
to impose, within the maximum available for the offence, the courts take into account
the circumstances of the offence and any aggravating and mitigating factors. The courts
are also required to follow any relevant sentencing guidelines, developed by the independent
Sentencing Council.</p><p>In January 2020 we introduced new civil Stalking Protection
Orders to protect victims of stalking at the earliest possible opportunity and address
the perpetrator’s behaviours before they become entrenched or escalate in severity.
A breach of this order carries a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment.</p>
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