Closed petition Don't axe shorter prison sentences for crimes such as stalking and harassment

Closed on 20 May 2024

The University of Birmingham's Intersectional Feminist Association calls on the Government to amend plans for a legal presumption against prison sentences of less than 12 months criminals convicted of offences, so that they do not apply to crimes such as stalking, harassment and revenge porn.

Women and girls could be put at risk if those convicted of crimes such as harassment, stalking, and revenge porn are punished in the community rather than sent to prison. We agree with arguments that shorter sentences reflect a lack of understanding about the harmful impact of domestic abuse. To introduce a presumption in law against shorter prison sentences could put the lives of women and girls at risk and serve as a lesser deterrent to perpetrators.