The petition was originally set up by nurse Jackie Barnett-Wheatcroft, who was stalked as a teenager. She also set up the charity Stalking Victims UK. “I would like a separate pot for stalking – for investigations, for the CPS, for the courts – in order to prioritise stalking cases,” she told the BBC.

In a response to the petition published last August, the government said it was “committed to protecting and supporting victims of stalking and is determined to do everything it can to stop perpetrators at the earliest opportunity.”

It continued: “To help ensure victims and survivors are supported, the Home Office also part-funds the National Stalking Helpline, run by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, and has recently tripled its funding, such that it will now provide up to £155,000 this year.

“The additional funding will, amongst other things, enable the Trust to expand its advocacy service outside London.”

To sign the petition and show your support for Gracie’s Law, click here.

Victim Support is an independent charity that provides practical and emotional support to victims of all crimes, including stalking and harassment. For help and information, you can contact the charity’s free 24/7 Supportline number on 0808 16 89 111 or seek support via the website: victimsupport.org.uk.

Gracie’s Law: a petition calling for more support for stalking victims has surpassed 100,000 signatures