Experts are calling for more to be done to prevent stalking and protect victims.

Campaigners say police and other frontline staff in Sussex need better training to recognise the signs of the dangerous, obsessive behaviour, and respond.

Claudia Miles, co-founder and director of Brighton-based training and support group Veritas, said: “Victims still struggle to be taken seriously and some of these incidents can be seen as isolated.”

In February, security guard Besmir Pepkolaj became one of the first people to be jailed under new laws making a specific offence out of stalking.

Experts also want members of the public to be to be aware of the signs of stalking, so they can act immediately if targeted.

Ms Miles said: “If it’s making you feel afraid or uncomfortable do not wait, report it straight away, because a lot of stalking can be stopped.

“No incident is too report everything to police, no incident is too insignificant to be reported.

She added: “We want organisations to provide more training to front line staff in recognising stalking and supporting victims appropriately and being more proactive about getting evidence.

“It is about adequate understanding of risk. By logging incidents in a sensible manner you can see where risk is increasing and then offer that support.”

Veritas co-founder Sam Taylor, who was stalked by her former partner, gave evidence to the inquiry that led to the new stalking laws.

She said: “I was the only domestic abuse victim to give evidence – all the rest was given by parents of murdered daughters.”

A Sussex Police spokesman said: “We are pleased to see that stalking is being taken seriously and National Stalking Awareness Week is an important element of bringing understanding of what is a disturbing and potentially violent crime.

“It is terrifying for victims and we encourage anyone who feels that they are a victim, no matter what the scale, to report it to us. Your call will taken compassionately and sensitively and we will be robust in dealing with perpetrators.”

*Veritas offers training and courses to individuals and organisations in the areas of domestic abuse, child protection, and stalking. Visit veritas-justice.co.uk

FactFile

  • The Suzy Lamplugh Trust says it is hard to give an exact definition of stalking because stalkers will often use multiple and differing methods to harass victims.
  •  Stalking can consist of any type of behaviour such as regularly sending flowers or gifts, making unwanted or malicious communication (including calls, texts and emails), damaging property and physical or sexual assault.
  • If the behaviour is persistent, unwanted and is causing fear, harassment or anxiety then it is considered stalking