**Title: ‘Being Stalked Was Worse Than Being Held at Gunpoint’**
In a deeply disturbing revelation, Rhianon Bragg, a woman from Rhosgadfan near Caernarfon in Gwynedd, articulated the mental toll of being stalked, comparing it unfavorably to her harrowing experience of being held at gunpoint by her ex-partner, Gareth Wyn Jones, in 2019. Bragg recounted being taken hostage for eight grueling hours, threatened with a shotgun; however, she firmly indicated that the fear and violation inherent in stalking proved far worse.
Bragg’s poignant commentary came in response to a recent investigation conducted by BBC Wales Live, which uncovered that a mere five Stalking Prevention Orders (SPOs) were issued by Welsh police forces in 2023, even though over 8,000 cases of stalking were reported that same year. This discrepancy raised alarm bells regarding the effectiveness and priority given to addressing stalking offenses. Despite police assurances that stalking remains a priority and their commitment to combatting this crime, these statistics provoke significant concern.
Rhianon Bragg’s traumatic ordeal with Gareth Wyn Jones dominated much of their five-year relationship, characterized by controlling and abusive behavior. Recalling the intense moment the shotgun was pointed at her, she described the terror that washed over her — a shocking yet somehow expected situation, indicating a disturbing familiarity with his threats. “I screamed. It was a shock but not a surprise,” she stated, highlighting the trauma imposed over years of psychological abuse.
The implementation of SPOs began shortly after Bragg’s confrontation in January 2020. In her reflections, she questioned their impact, noting, “if here we are nearly five years later and these things still aren’t being implemented, they’re not making a difference to anybody.” Her critique implies that, while police claim to have options to combat stalking, these tools remain largely unused. “It becomes a waste of space in your toolbox,” she argued, calling for urgent reforms to address the inadequacies that allow stalkers to operate with impunity.
Bragg’s assertion that the five issued SPOs in 2023 were insufficient resonates with her belief that stalking is far too prevalent and largely unacknowledged within society. She emphasized, “Until stalking is recognized as the widespread issue it is… Wales is not anywhere near as safe as it could be.” This urgent reflection calls for a cultural shift in acknowledging the gravity of stalking cases and the genuine need for enhanced legal protections.
Amidst this troubling backdrop, notable figures like television presenter Ruth Dodsworth have shared similar experiences, with her marriage marred by stalking and coercive behavior from her ex-husband. Having risen to prominence, Dodsworth mentioned that even after the jail sentence served by her abuser, the lingering consequences of the stalking have left her to cope daily with fear and anxiety. She noted, “It’s really important to hammer home the effects stalking can have on someone.” Moving forward, Dodsworth is keen on raising awareness and empowering victims to share their stories for broader understanding and support.
In light of the worrying statistics, North Wales Police Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman dutifully acknowledged the inadequacies, remarking, “It’s fair to say we haven’t always got it right previously, so there’s plenty of work to do to address that.” With this in mind, Blakeman and her team have begun collaborating with stalking survivors like Bragg to improve training and police responses to stalking cases.
In a further commitment to tackling the issue, North Wales Police have added a dedicated stalking coordinator and detective sergeant, focusing on enhancing the identification of potential stalking cases and ensuring better utilization of SPOs. Det Sgt Sally White, appointed to this role, expressed the importance of recognizing stalking as a significant and complex crime requiring innovative and compassionate policing approaches.
As society grapples with the implications of stalking, awareness remains crucial. Acknowledging the voices of survivors and fostering a greater understanding within the law enforcement framework will be vital for enhancing the support systems that can help mitigate the repercussions of such distressing experiences. If you or someone you know is affected by stalking or any related issues, organizations providing support can be found via resources like the BBC Action Line. For further commentary on this issue, viewers can tune into regional broadcasts such as Wales Live on BBC iPlayer.
