New stalking laws introduced
National changes have been made in legislation on stalking that has made stalking a specific offence for the first time.
The new legislation also includes a more serious offence of stalking involving fear of violence or serious alarm or distress.
Stalking can include:
- Following
- Contacting
- Publishing material relating to the victim
- Monitoring
- Loitering
- Interfering with property
- Watching or spying
National research shows that, on average, someone is stalked for two and a half years - and eighty percent of victims are stalked by someone they know.
Stalking is believed to affect one in five women and one in ten men at some point in their lives.
To report an offence of stalking or harassment, you can contact Northumbria Police on 101 or in an emergency by dialling 999.
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