Helpline launched to support stalking victims

The first dedicated helpline for victims of stalking will be launched today.

The confidential service, part-funded by the Government, has been developed with the police.

It will have one number for callers anywhere in the UK and there will also be a single point of contact in police forces.

According to the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, research indicates that stalking affects around 1.5 million people in the UK every year.

Campaigners believe the issue is under-reported because victims fear they will not be taken seriously.

A landmark study by the University of Leicester Study found that a third of victims said they'd lost their job or relationship or had been forced to move because of the stalking.