Stalkers in England and Wales risk 5-year in jail

Stalkers will face up to five-year jail terms in England and Wales for breaching new court orders introduced by the British government Sunday.

Coming into force Monday, the New Stalking Protection Orders will allow courts in England and Wales to move quicker to ban stalkers from contacting victims or visiting their homes, places of work or study, said the Home Office.

Banning perpetrators from approaching or contacting their victims, the orders, which will last a minimum of two years, can also force stalkers to seek professional help.

Official data showed that in England and Wales almost one in five women and one in 10 men over the age of 16 have experienced stalking.