HAMPSHIRE police have vowed to crack down on the ‘terrifying’ impacts of stalking.

Victims of stalking can suffer from self-harm, depression and even PTSD.

But to mark National Stalking Awareness Week, this week, the county force has vowed to use more powers to combat offenders.

Detective Chief Inspector Dave West has said police are looking to get better at increasing the use of stalking protection orders.

Read more: Man sent ex-partner's family revenge porn photos

Stalkers can be slapped with an order banning them from certain places or contacting their victims.

DCI West said: “We know that stalking can be terrifying. The impact on victims can be devastating, with many experiencing hyper-vigilance, PTSD, self-harm, anxiety, and depression. We want to do more to protect victims, and use our powers to identify perpetrators and safeguard people who need our help. That’s why we’re working on increasing our use of stalking protection orders.”

He added that the force is training officers to understand stalking behaviour and identify early signs.

Read more: Man threatened to kill ex-partner just one day after release from jail

Last week, Southampton man, Michael Domican, was jailed for 13 months after pleading guilty to stalking involving fear of violence.

The city’s crown court heard how the 37-year-old had bombarded his ex-partner with calls and messages.

He even threatened to “put her six feet under”.

Domican has more than 70 previous convictions and in 2021, was jailed for sending ‘explicit’ revenge porn images of a former partner.

Victims can contact the National Stalking Helpline on 0808 802 0300.

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