A HUGE increase in online stalking and harassment has prompted police to raise awareness of the 'appalling crime' and urge victims to report offences.

Police say the vast majority of stalking and harassment is now malicious communication online or via mobile telephone, including social media and messaging.

Officers say stalking and harassment can be 'life changing' and affects victims’ psychological and physical well-being, whether they are physically harmed or not.

National Stalking Awareness Week, which launches today, aims to raise awareness of stalking and how you can get help.

Dorset saw an 81 per cent increase in harassment for the Office of National Statics (ONS) reporting period for October 2015 to September 2016, following the inclusion of malicious communications into the crime category of stalking and harassment.

Detective Sergeant Sarah Gillion said: “Mobile phones, social media and other online channels can be used as tools for stalking and harassment.

"Online threats, ‘cyber-stalking’ and persistent or upsetting calls, voicemails and messages, can be just as intimidating and harmful as traditional forms of stalking and harassment.”

She added: “Stalking and harassment are appalling crimes and the impact they have on victims can be devastating and long-lasting.

“Nowadays people just have to press a button to send a message or make a phone call. Perpetrators must be aware that just because they are not stalking or harassing their victim in person does not mean that it is not as serious. Malicious communications as a form of stalking or harassment is extremely distressing for victims and is a serious crime, punishable with prison time of up to two years.

“I would encourage anyone who believes they are a victim of stalking or harassment to have the confidence to come forward and contact Dorset Police. We are here to help and have officers trained to support victims and investigate these types of offences."

Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner, Martyn Underhill, said: “It is vital that victims of stalking understand that living in fear is unacceptable, irrespective of whether the offending behaviour presents an immediate physical risk. Our message is clear, stalking is not okay, it’s abhorrent.

“We must raise awareness of the dangers of obsession and fixation which can drive this type of behaviour and help people recognise the signs of stalking at an early stage. Do not suffer in silence – please come forward and let the police and other agencies help you. If in doubt, ask the police, they will listen.”

STALKING and harassment are criminal offences and both describe behaviour by a perpetrator which is repeated and unwanted by the victim. Harassment is contact and behaviour carried out with the aim of causing a person to feel alarmed, threatened, humiliated or distressed. This behaviour becomes stalking when it is fixated and obsessive, and it may place the victim in fear. It can often be linked to domestic abuse and sexual violence.

For advice and support call the National Stalking Helpline on 0808 802 0300 or email advice@stalkinghelpline.org.”

If you’re experiencing persistent and unwanted attention, and the behaviour is making you feel fearful, harassed or anxious, contact Dorset Police at www.dorset .police.uk or call 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

For more information visit dorset.police.uk/stalking