Teesside charity sees rise in women reporting stalking offences
It's thought the topic's being more widely discussed now after TV shows
A Teesside charity says they are receiving a rise in people coming to them about stalking.
It is thought the success of TV series Baby Reindeer has meant the topic is being more widely discussed by everyone.
Richinda Taylor, Chief Executive of EVA Women's Aid in Redcar, said: "We've definitely see an increase at EVA in the number of women that are reporting stalking offences to us. More women are definitely becoming victims of that.
"What a lot of women don't see is that the constant texting, calls and turning up at places where they are is a form of stalking and harrassment, and many women don't realise that until they've spoken to us and of course, it forms part of the abuse that they're experiencing rather than the sole form of abuse.
"I do think that television shows that talk about issues like stalking are really good at highlighting just how frightening and traumatic it can be for victims of stalking, and like all forms of abuse it can have a devastating impact on a victim's life.
"If you feel like you're a victim of stalking then come forward, pick up the phone and have a conversation with us, come in and see us. Just have that first conversation with us to see if we're able to help you and how we can support you. You don't have to report an offence to seek support. You don't have to report the crime, but if you choose to report the offence, then we can support you in doing that as well."