Stalking victims to keep names off electoral roll

New legislation allows them to be registered anonymously while still being able to vote.

The Electoral Administration Act, passed last year, allows local councils to remove a victim's name - replacing it with the letter N - on the electoral roll.

Anyone who wants to be listed anonymously must provide evidence they have been stalked or been a victim of domestic violence, such as an order under the Family Law Act or the Protection from Harassment Act.

The new regulations have been produced with guidance from women's and victims' rights groups.

Director of Rights of Women, Ranjit Kaur, said: "We know many women who have experienced violence live in fear of being tracked down by the perpetrators through the electoral register.

"Anonymous registration will make this more difficult and hopefully will allow women to live their lives free from the further threat of violence."

Joanna Perry of Victim Support said: "Anonymous registration is a big step forward for people who are in fear of their safety, or even their life."

One woman, known only as Lynne, suffered seven years of violence and abuse from her ex-husband,

"My abusive ex-husband tracked me down to my new address and used to intimidate me by driving up and down the street," she said.

"It never crossed my mind he may have got my details from the electoral roll.

"Knowing I can now register anonymously and not lose out on the right to vote will make me, and other people in my situation, feel a lot safer."

The measures apply to England and Wales from Friday.