AFTER her own terrifying experience of being stalked, Ann Moulds made a courageous decision.
Appalled by the way victims were treated, she waived her right to anonymity, and dared to challenge the system.
Ten years on, the charity Ann founded – Action Against Stalking – has supported more than 1500 clients, developed training schemes for the police and other professionals, and set up a dedicated research centre in partnership with the University of the West of Scotland.
The Ayr woman's drive and determination resulted in tougher sentencing and changes to anti-stalking legislation in Scotland, across the UK and around Europe. She was named Glasgow Times Scotswoman of the Year in 2013.
“When I set out this charity, putting myself out there in the way that I did, there was no such thing in my vocabulary as ‘it won’t work’,” explains Ann.
“It had to be a success.
“I had a vision, and I still have a vision, of a world where all stalking victims feel safe and free from threat and harassment.
“It’s not just about the victims, it’s about the criminal justice systems that serve them. Are those victims' voices being properly heard?”
She adds: “There is still a lot to do, but the vision remains the same – and we are not going to stop now.”
In a special 10th anniversary edition of the charity’s podcast, Surviving Stalking, Ann and new AAS chief executive Hayley Tennant reflect on the last decade of the pioneering charity’s work.
The podcast, which is presented by Karen Fullerton-Chalmers and Shelcy Garcia, won a Glasgow Community Champion award in 2023 and Ann said she was proud to be recognised.
“We were overjoyed to win this award,” said Ann.
“The podcast not only reflects some of the hard work of AAS over the past 10 years, but also the fantastic team of dedicated and passionate people who have helped make AAS the charity it is today.”
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Entries are now open for the 2024 Glasgow Community Champion Awards, organised by the Glasgow Times and supported by our generous partners, Glasgow City Council and Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust.
You can nominate online by visiting the website, https://newsquestscotlandevents.com/events/glasgowcommchamps/ or email callum.cummine@newsquest.co.uk
In the special edition of the podcast, Ann reveals the charity has received queries from other countries around the world, keen to develop an anti-stalking model similar to AAS.
She adds: “That is a massive vision. We have been up there as trailblazers in this field, and we must hold that position.
“Stalking is not just about crimes of a physical nature.
“It’s a psychological crime, denoted by behaviour which can last for months on end, drip, drip, dripping and slowly destroying the victim’s world, financially, socially, their safety…
“It’s one of the most devastating crimes that a person could ever experience and that’s the message we’ve got to get out there.”
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Hayley says: “I’m honoured to be the new CEO, working with a fabulous group of people who are passionate about making a difference. I’ve learned so much in the six weeks I have been here and now it is time to look upwards and out. That’s the vision for the next 10 years.”
HOW TO NOMINATE
Who do you know who deserves recognition for the work they do for their community?
We want to hear from you. There are 10 awards up for grabs this year including Community Champion, Champion Team, Sporting Champion, Champion School of the Year, Youth Champion, for teens, Senior Champion, for over-60s, and Health and Wellbeing Champion.
There are also three new awards for 2024 – Little Champion, for children aged under 13 whose courage, citizenship or hard work stand out; Environmental Champion, for an individual or team passionate about tackling the climate crisis and loss of biodiversity, and improving local areas for the benefit of all; and Arts Champion, for a musician, theatre group, singer, dancer or poet having a positive impact through projects or performances.
Closing date for nominations is Thursday, September 12.
You can nominate anyone, simply tell us why they should win and remember to include lots of detail and photographs to support your entry.
You can nominate online by visiting the website, https://newsquestscotlandevents.com/events/glasgowcommchamps/ or email callum.cummine@newsquest.co.uk.
For more information, call 0141 302 6046.
A shortlist will go to a public online vote to determine the winners in each area – North East, North West and South - who will then progress to the grand final at Glasgow City Chambers on December 4.
A judging panel made up of representatives from the award partners will decide the Grand Final winners.
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