ITV Presenter Joins Fight Against Stalking
Added December 10th, 2009 in NSS News
Alexis Bowater (photo: Jill Pendleton 2009)
The UK charity Network for Surviving Stalking is delighted to announce former ITV news presenter Alexis Bowater as new Chief Executive.
Chairman of Trustees Peter Patrick said, “Alexis will be a wonderful ambassador for the charity and for stalking victims everywhere. Stalking is a serious crime that sadly is widely misunderstood. The lack of understanding means that stalking is often not taken seriously enough. This is putting victim’s lives at risk. We’re very pleased that Alexis has joined Network for Surviving Stalking. Her passion for the subject – one that’s affected her personally, combined with her outstanding communication skills mean we’ll be putting stalking on the public agenda as never before.”
Alexis anchored ITV West Country news for seven years. During her fifteen years working in the media she has had experience of stalking on 3 separate occasions. In the latest case, Alexander Reeve was sentenced to four years and one month in prison in April 2009. Since the conviction, Alexis has spoken out and written about the reality of stalking. She’s committed to improving services for stalking victims and to raising awareness about a crime that can leave victims terrified, isolated and feeling very lonely.
Alexis says: “I am delighted to be working with the Network for Surviving Stalking to raise awareness of stalking, a crime which affects more than one and a half million men and women in this country every year. Establishing a multi-agency backed helpline is a first step to improving support for people. There is plenty more to be done and I look forward to being part of a team committed to positive change.”
Network for Surviving Stalking is a registered charity that raises awareness about stalking and harassment. As well as assisting the police and other groups to improve services for victims, NSS is working with the Home Office, Protection Against Stalking and Suzy Lamplugh Trust to set up a multi-media helpline for victims of stalking. Funded by the Home Office and other partners, it’s anticipated the help-line will be up and working in the New Year. If anyone would like any advice or information about stalking or harassment, see our website http://www.nss.org.uk
Editor’s notes:
1. To interview Chief Executive Alexis Bowater please call Jane on 07970 792986 or email media@nss.org.uk
