‘We want to hear from you’ is the message from Northumbria Police officers as National Stalking and Harassment Awareness Week begins (April 22-28).

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported in July 2023 that in England and Wales 709,388 stalking and harassment offences occurred in the year ending March 2023.

In the year to March 2023, stalking and harassment accounted for a third of all police recorded violence.

Detective Superintendent Nicola Walker, who helps lead Northumbria Police’s Safeguarding Department, said: "Stalking and harassment are two fairly broad terms and, as a force, we’re concerned those affected don’t get in touch because they’re unsure of whether the behaviour they’re experiencing falls under the umbrella of either.

"Ask yourself, is the behaviour you, or a loved one, is experiencing any of these things: Fixated, Obsessed, Unwanted or Repeated?

"If the answer to any of these is ‘yes’ then you may be a victim of stalking or harassment."

If you need support, contact Northumbria Police through the ‘Report’ pages of their website, or call 101.

In an emergency, call 999.

For further independent advice, contact the Suzy Lamplugh National Stalking Helpline or the Respect Service.

Anyone worried their behaviour is on the wrong track can contact the Respect Service on 0808 8024040.