A woman from Ipswich says years of stalking and harassment by her former partner have had lasting effects on her mental health, leading to a campaign to reform how protective court orders work in the United Kingdom.
Charlotte Holtum, 34, says her experience has highlighted gaps in the legal system that require victims to repeatedly seek extensions of court protections, even after previous violations have been proven.
Relationship
Holtum was in a relationship with her former partner for 10 years before they separated in 2022.
Following the breakup, she said her ex-partner forced his way into her home. The incident resulted in a non-molestation order being issued, and he was later convicted of forced entry by battery.
The order was intended to prevent further contact and provide legal protection.
Harassment
According to Holtum, the harassment continued despite the court order.
In April 2025, she said her former partner resumed contacting her, repeatedly calling and texting while also monitoring her social media accounts.
She reported that he called her 116 times within a 24-hour period and appeared at her home three times in a single day.
“He called me over 100 times in one night. He turned up at the home, banging on the windows – it was horrific. It went on for the majority of the day,” Holtum said.
Court
After Holtum contacted police, her former partner was charged with stalking and breaching the non-molestation order.
Authorities said he also contacted her while laughing about avoiding consequences.
He later pleaded guilty to all charges.
In February 2026, Ipswich Magistrates’ Court sentenced him to 24 weeks in custody, suspended for 18 months, and issued a restraining order.
| Case Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Relationship Length | 10 years |
| Separation | 2022 |
| Calls Reported | 116 within 24 hours |
| Court | Ipswich Magistrates’ Court |
| Sentence | 24 weeks suspended for 18 months |
| Additional Order | Restraining order issued |
Impact
Holtum says the abuse has continued to affect her daily life long after the criminal case concluded.
“As a result of what I have experienced, I have undergone years of therapy and have been diagnosed with PTSD and anxiety,” she said.
She described becoming hypervigilant, struggling to sleep, changing her daily routines, and finding it difficult to build both personal and professional relationships.
“I struggle to sleep because I have become hypervigilant. Every day I find myself assessing risks in public, constantly looking over my shoulder, and changing my routines to avoid being watched or followed,” she said.
Campaign
Although a restraining order remains in place, Holtum said she was still required to apply to extend her non-molestation order in May 2026, describing the process as emotionally difficult.
She is now advocating for legal reforms that would automatically extend non-molestation orders when they have already been breached.
Her campaign also seeks broader changes aimed at making protective orders easier for victims to obtain and maintain.
“Even today, I have both a non-molestation order and a restraining order in place, yet I still live with fear. Abuse does not end simply because a court order reaches its expiry date,” Holtum said.
She added that survivors should not have to repeatedly prove they remain at risk after courts have already recognized the danger.
Outlook
Holtum’s campaign is focused on reducing the legal burden placed on victims seeking ongoing protection from abusive former partners. By calling for automatic extensions of non-molestation orders following confirmed breaches, she hopes future victims will face fewer obstacles when seeking continued legal safeguards. The proposed reforms continue to contribute to wider discussions in the U.K. about how the justice system responds to stalking and domestic abuse cases.
FAQs
Who is Charlotte Holtum?
She is an educator from Ipswich campaigning for legal reform.
Why was her ex-partner charged?
He was charged with stalking and breaching a court order.
What changes is Holtum seeking?
Automatic extensions of non-molestation orders after breaches.
What sentence did her ex receive?
A 24-week suspended custodial sentence and a restraining order.
What impact did the stalking have?
She says she developed PTSD and anxiety.
