Why stalking seen as 'murder in slow motion' for victims

THE terrifying and long-lasting impact stalking has on victims’ lives - described as psychological terrorism - has been shared by a Devon survivor in support of National Stalking Awareness Week.

- by STAFF REPORTER

Latest data from Devon and Cornwall Police has revealed 14,457 stalking and harassment offences were recorded within a 12-month period to February 2025 - an increase of 14.4% compared to the previous 12 months.

Although the rise may partly be due to improved recording and better identification of the offences by the force, the need for greater awareness of stalking and its effects on victims, their families and communities, is being highlighted during the awareness week, which ran from April 22-25.

Anyone can become a victim of stalking, a reality that has been experienced first-hand by Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Police Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez. Her stalker, a former partner, received a suspended sentence in 2018.

The increase in the number of stalking and harassment offences reported not only to Devon and Cornwall Police but to forces across the UK has led her to describe the problem as an “epidemic” which she says needs to be tackled by focusing on early prevention to stop behaviour escalating.