pressure group campaigns that affect policy making - protection against stalking (PAS)

Question 1

purpose of the campaign

Answer 1

PAS launched a campaign in 2011 to introduce a new law which makes stalking a specific offence

Question 2

background to campaign

Answer 2

• the way police dealt with stalking was inadequate and haphazard
• the police lacked clear policy
• investigations had poor leadership
• officers were allowed discretion when handling stalking cases - can pick and choose if they handled the case or not
• victims werent being taken seriously

Question 3

how many prosecutions were there under the PROTECTION FROM HARASSMENT ACT 1997

Answer 3

there were only 70 prosecutions in 10 years under the PROTECTION FROM HARASSMENT ACT 1997

Question 4

PAS campaign

Answer 4

• PAS concluded the existing laws werent fit for purpose
• PAS set up an independent parliamentary inquiry, persuading MPs and peers from all parties to serve on it
• this inquiry lasted several months, hearing from victims and their relatives, academic experts, lawyers, police, and probation officers

Question 5

PAS campaign success

Answer 5

PAS was a success and a report was published in 2012 with the support of 60 MPs and peers, the Police Federation, and the Magistrates’ Association

Question 6

which act came into force due to PAS’ campaigns success

Answer 6

the PROTECTION OF FREEDOMS ACT 2012 which made stalking a criminal offence

Question 7

name of the campaign

Answer 7

PROTECTION AGAINST STALKING (PAS)