As part of a wider Metropolitan police campaign during National Stalking Awareness Week, Syon SNT were at West Middlesex Hospital to raise awareness of the issue and ongoing violence against women.

Stalking cases in London have risen five-fold in the last two years, with more than 1,000 stalking cases each month compared with 200 monthly cases prior to April 2020. 

This year in Syon ward there were 18 reports of harassment in February alone.

Police believe this leap to be partly down to an increasing societal intolerance to stalking that makes victims more willing to report it.

A cyber-element also adds to the all-pervasive experience, with 100% of the 22,676 victims who contacted the National Stalking Helpline in 2020-21 reporting an online aspect to the harassment.

The annual Stalking Awareness week run by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust in partnership with police forces provides training events for the Met's officers and staff that focus on stalking typologies and investigative tips on how to take robust action and best support victims.

Now in its 12th year, it also aims to reduce reoffending and increase early intervention to minimise stalking that escalates to violence. 

One man who was jailed after being convicted of stalking and causing serious harm and distress said: "I know it sounds bizarre and going to prison was horrendous, but it's afforded me the opportunity to start afresh and fix a lot of problems in my life.

"I was on a destructive spiral mentally and my new life is so much better as a result of your [The Met's] intervention. And on top of that I now have a greater understanding and awareness of the way I was behaving and I'm glad I was educated at an early age to put me on the right path. And on top of all that you treated me with respect."

Commander Kevin Southworth, added: "We know stalking can ruin lives and we would urge victims of this crime to come forward to police.

"Stalking advocates are available to provide independent support and advice to victims. We will continue to work with the Suzy Lamplugh Trust and other partners to ensure we are doing everything possible to support victims of this crime.

"I would like to urge those responsible to seek help to stop their behaviour. We want to ensure they get the help they need. Far from being in any position of power over their victims, they are in fact in need of help themselves – if you don't seek help you will end up in prison for the hurt and pain you are causing.

"We want women and girls to feel confident that when they report violence, stalking, harassment and abuse, we will take it seriously. This is really important to us."