Rutland Police have been brushing up on their knowledge this National Stalking Awareness Week.

Stalking can be defined as a pattern of fixated and obsessive behaviour which is repeated, persistent, intrusive and causes fear of violence or engenders alarm and distress in the victim.

It impacts both men and women and, last year, over 700,000 cases were reported.

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust, which tackles violence and calls for better education surrounding abuse - with a focus on stalking and harassment - claims that "only 1/7% of stalking cases result in a conviction."

As such, courses on stalking are an essential ongoing training tool for police across the country.

The team shared that they have undertaken "a short period of online training. One of the topics was Stalking which was very apt as this week is National Stalking Awareness Week 2024."

If you or someone you know is a victim of stalking follow this link for advice, guidance and details on how to report it to Leicestershire Police, who describe stalking and harassment: "Stalking and harassment is when someone repeatedly behaves in a way that makes you feel scared, distressed or threatened."

If this unwanted behaviour happens two times or more, it may be a crime and you can report it. 

Both stalking and harassment are offences under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.

Find out more about the Suzy Lamplugh Trust and Suzy's story here - where you can also read a press release this National Stalking Awareness Week.