A NEW campaign aims to dispel some myths about stalking – and encourage victims to come forward.

West Yorkshire Police and the region’s mayor, Tracy Brabin, have combined to launch the initiative.

Stalking is traditionally seen as someone lurking in the shadows following their victim.

But campaign organisers stress that the offence takes on many forms, including online.

Of the 4,751 incidents of stalking reported to West Yorkshire Police in 2020-21, almost 12 per cent were classed as cyber-crimes.

And in many instances, the victims were women.

Ms Brabin said: “We know that women in West Yorkshire are disproportionately affected by stalking offences.

“Tackling stalking will help me work towards my pledge to make the safety of women and girls a priority.

“Eighty per cent of stalking victims are female – a fact which is pretty stark, particularly as we know that these types of offences often spiral into more-violent incidents.

“Prevention is always better than cure. We must work to stop stalking in the first place.

“Alongside my deputy mayor for policing and crime, Alison Lowe, I will be working closely with partners to help change attitudes and behaviour towards women and girls.

“It starts by confronting the issue, challenging perceptions and raising awareness. Stalking is a crime. It will not be tolerated or accepted within our communities and we will use every tool at our disposal to keep victims safe from harm.”

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable, Damien Miller, fears many incidents may be going unreported because people don’t necessarily see themselves as victims of stalking.

He added: “Last year we had thousands of incidents of stalking reported to us – but we are concerned many others are suffering in silence, potentially not realising the behaviour that is causing them alarm or distress is in fact stalking.

“Stalking can take many forms and can be online as well as in person. It is a pattern of behaviours that is fixated, obsessive, unwanted and repeated.”

For further information, visit westyorkshire.police.uk/stalking.

Anyone with concerns should phone the police on 101, but if a crime is in progress or there is an immediate danger to life dial 999.