Stalked, harassed but unprotected: Women want anti-stalking laws that keep them safe

Women like Sofia are desperately calling for stalking to be made a crime so that they can feel protected and safe. (Photo posed by models: AZMAN GHANI/ The Star)

The testimony of Sofia (not her real name), a woman who has been stalked by an ex-partner for the past two years, was terrifying and emphasised the urgent need for anti-stalking laws to protect the safety and well-being of women and girls.

Sofia’s testimony at the Women’s Tribunal last weekend was presented by a proxy as she didn’t feel safe revealing her identity. Since 2019, Sofia has been harrassed via calls, obscene emails and text messages (up to a hundred messages a day) and has had her social media accounts hacked numerous times.