Katie Boardman case highlights need to take stalking seriously
Added December 18th, 2009 in NSS News
The Independent Police Complaints Commission findings on the way Greater Manchester Police dealt with the case of murder victim Katie Boardman highlight the need for society to change it’s attitudes to the crime of stalking.
The IPCC report says there had been a history of domestic violence in Katie’s relationship with her ex-partner however subsequent instances of stalking behaviour; such as theft of a mobile phone, house keys and psychological harassment were treated in ‘isolation’ and therefore not identified as stalking and treated as such.
The IPCC found ” there was a clear failure to identify the pattern of problems. Instead each incident appears to have been handled in isolation. Taken in isolation the incidents were generally handled appropriately but there was a total failure to consider the history and the increasing risk and as a result the troubled relationship continued to fester.”
Katie was stabbed to death by her ex-partner Brian Taylor on October 9th 2008.
Network for Surviving Stalking expresses sincere condolences to the family of Katie Boardman. Tragically she is the latest in an increasingly long line of victims who have lost their lives when the stalking they’d been enduring escalated into violence. Too many children have lost mothers; mothers their daughters and families have been ripped apart.
Network for Surviving Stalking Chief Executive Alexis Bowater said, “We would urge anyone who suspects they might be being stalked, to take the matter seriously. Just because there is no physical violence, it doesn’t mean you’re not in danger. We know that victims put up with an enormous amount of abuse before doing anything about it. A NSS 2009 study of stalking victims (the largest in Europe involving over 2000 people) by Forensic Psychologist Dr Lorraine Sheridan found that 77% of victims surveyed failed to report stalking until over 100 incidents had taken place. A pattern of ‘stalking behaviour’ – repeated texts, phone calls or emails.. being followed, being sent presents; being intimidated; having your property damaged – should not be taken in isolation. We are working with the police to improve training but it’s also down to victims themselves to take the matter seriously. If this is happening to you- please contact your local police – and you can also contact Network for Surviving Stalking at www.nss.org.uk ”
Network for Surviving Stalking is working with Suzy Lamplugh Trust and Protection Against Stalking to set up a Home Office funded multi-media helpline for stalking victims in the New Year.
Editor’s note:
1. If you would like to interview NSS Chief Executive Alexis Bowater call Jane on 07970 792986
2. IPCC ruling on Katie Boardman case: http://www.ipcc.gov.uk/news/pr181209_gmp.htm
