Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to reduce cyber stalking.

The law is clear that what is illegal off-line is also illegal on-line and we have robust legislation in place to deal with internet trolls, cyber stalking
and harassment. The government brought in new stalking laws in November 2012 which sends a clear message that those responsible for stalking should be brought to justice. This will also help stop people living in fear and prevent escalation to more serious violence. From April 2013 to March 2014, 743 prosecutions were commenced under the new stalking legislation. This is a significant increase from the 67 prosecutions that were commenced from November 2012 to March 2013 and shows that the legislation is taking effect.

The government continues to work in collaboration with the College of Policing, the National Policing Lead on Stalking, and the Crown Prosecution Service, amongst others, to further raise awareness of the legislation and promote training to ensure these offences are tackled effectively. In July 2013 the Crown Prosecution Service published guidelines for prosecutors on the approach they should take in cases involving communications sent via social media. The College of Policing also wrote to all Chief Officers in July 2013 with advice on tackling online abuse.