 |
| Terry Scriven, Parliamentary Spokesman for New Forest Liberal Democrats, |
Victims of stalking and domestic violence will benefit from new laws coming into force designed to protect people at risk if their details appear on the electoral register.
From June 1 those at risk can apply to their local authority in England and Wales to be registered anonymously while still being able to vote.
Lynne, who suffered seven years of violence and abuse from her ex-husband, said:
"My abusive ex-husband tracked me down to my new address and used to intimidate me by driving up and down the street. It never crossed my mind he may have got my details from the electoral roll. Knowing I can now register anonymously and not lose out on the right to vote will make me, and other people in my situation, feel a lot safer."
The new regulations have been produced with guidance from organisations such as Victim Support and Rights of Women.
There are strict criteria for registration. Anyone wanting to register their details anonymously must provide evidence such as an order under the Family Law Act 1996 or the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. If an application is granted, the details that appear on the register only have a person's electoral number and the letter N.
Joanna Perry, Policy Manager, Victim Support said:
"Anonymous registration is a big step forward for people who are in fear of their safety, or even their life. We know of situations where a perpetrator has subsequently found the victim and caused considerable distress or further harm, and in some situations killed them.
"So it is vital that victims who live in fear are informed of the option to register anonymously and still participate in the right to vote that is available to us all."
Terry Scriven, Parliamentary Spokesman for New Forest Liberal Democrats, says " I welcome the introduction of anonymous registration on the electoral registration roll for those who have been the victims of stalking and or domestic violence in an attempt to make them feel more secure.
This new legislation is another step forward in protecting some of the most vulnerable people in our society. I congratulate the organistions 'Rights for Women' and the 'Victim Support Agency' for the work they have done in lobbying Government in this area. However, there is possibly more to be done in protecting the rights to privacy of all residents, perhaps now is the time to review accessibility of electoral rolls and the use such information is put" |
| |
