Groundbreaking stalking charity boss steps down
AFORMER Glasgow Times Scotswoman of the Year responsible for changing stalking laws in around 50 countries is standing down from the charity she set up following her own terrifying ordeal.
Ann Moulds is handing over the reins of Action Against Stalking after almost 13 years at the helm.
She said: “It feels strange, but it is absolutely the right time for me to step down as I feel I have achieved what I set out to achieve.
“We now have sustainable funding in place, which puts the charity on a more secure footing for three years.
“I always said that running a charity was not where my strengths lie. I’m an activist. I am better being out there, meeting people, raising awareness of what we are trying to do and making change happen.”
Ann, who also runs her own psychotherapy business, was crowned Glasgow Times Scotswoman of the Year in 2013 for her pioneering work in the field of anti- stalking legislation.
Following a horrifying two- year ordeal at the hands of a stalker, Ann campaigned tirelessly for a change in the law. Thanks to her efforts, tougher sentencing was introduced in Scotland, and the rest of the UK quickly followed. Ann’s campaigning was also instrumental in changing the law in 47 countries around Europe.
Last year, the charity – which now has 10 employees and runs an annual awareness week – staged the world’s first ever international conference on abusive behaviour.
In another groundbreaking move, in partnership with the University of the West of Scotland, it set up a centre dedicated to researching harmful behaviours. When she collected her SWOTY trophy, Ann said: “Many people have supported me throughout the whole campaign and I am very grateful to them all for helping me to put stalking in the spotlight, away from the shadows.
“Stalkers steal their victims’ voices. So I lent them mine.”
Ann will remain on the board of Action Against Stalking as a trustee “for the time being”.
She said: “The journey has been incredible. When I first started out, it was an uphill battle to have stalking even recognised as a crime. Victims had to have physical harm done to them before anything could be done. The legislation, in which psychological harm and abuse were recognised as a crime, changed everything.
“It triggered the victim- centred approach to dealing with crime, and now the Scottish Government, Police Scotland, Copfs and victim support services have adopted a trauma- informed approach.”
Ann added there was still “work to be done”.
“There is still a lack of understanding surrounding stalking. The Government needs to really pull it up the agenda,” she added.
“But I’m proud of the fact we changed the whole paradigm surrounding victims in the criminal justice system and that victims’ voices are now being heard.”
Former Police Scotland chief superintendent Linda Jones will be taking over as CEO. Action Against Stalking’s helpline is 0800 820 2427.