Jane Dodds is calling for more to be done to clamp down on stalking.

The Mid and West Wales MS said at the Senedd that during Stalking Awareness Week, she wanted to shine a light on this “pervasive and damaging crime”.

She said stalking is defined as a pattern of fixated, obsessive behaviour that is intrusive and causes victims to live in fear of violence and severe distress.

Ms Dodds said: “In the past year alone, there were over 1.6 million victims of stalking in England and Wales.

“Some 20.6 per cent of women and 8.7 per cent of men aged 16 and over have experienced this crime.

“Mental health and physical health are affected, and many victims do not feel listened to.

“The Suzy Lamplugh Trust reported that only 6.6 per cent of stalking reports to police in England and Wales result in charges, and a shocking 1.4 per cent end in conviction.”

Ms Dodds said the root of this crisis lies in a profound lack of understanding within the courts and law enforcement over the issue of stalking.

She said: “We need effective multi-agency co-ordination and investment in comprehensive training for police, prosecutors and judges.

“The theme of this year's Stalking Awareness Week is 'Join forces against stalking'. Let us heed that call, and finally deliver justice for victims.”