Offensive Valentine's cards

Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne has demanded that greetings cards for Valentine’s Day that "romanticise stalking" should be pulled from online stores immediately.

Katy Bourne, who has been a victim of stalking herself, said the cards that include misogynistic language and a convicted rapist are "beyond a joke" adding that "there is no place for glorifying stalking in today’s world".

She specifically mentioned cards romanticising prolific serial killer, rapist and convicted child molester Richard Ramirez.

Stalking is a crime that one in five women will experience in their lifetime. The police & crime commissioner believes retailers selling this type of merchandise are failing in their social responsibility saying: “Certain online marketplaces and retailers are not acknowledging that stalking is an extremely harmful crime. Whether these designs focus on pop culture characters or real-life serial killers – there is no place for glorifying stalking in today’s world”.

“I continue to successfully bid for and secure funding that goes towards leading the way in stalking interventions and providing victim advocacy services in Sussex. Successful joint working with Sussex Police, partners and agencies is vital in increasing public knowledge and confidence in reporting stalking crimes.

The Government has specified stalking and harassment as a priority offence within the Online Safety Bill currently working its way through parliament.