“EVERY time I go out I have to think one step ahead of him – I’m a prisoner in my own home.”

For one victim, stalking is a crime for which those on the receiving end are the ones who stay locked away – not the perpetrators.

Lisa, not her real name, has suffered at the hands of her ex-partner for four years since separating from him following a ten year marriage.

Constant phone calls, text messages and appearances at places where the 36-year-old would be, meant she had to change her name, move home several times and cut all ties with her friends.

“It’s really scary how he is able to find information,” she said.

“Whatever I did he would get in contact with me, find out where I as going to be. It’s hard to explain to someone who has not been through it – they just think you are going round the twist.

“I don’t have Facebook or internet, I have to keep everything to a minimum because it might be a possible weapon.

“It’s so tiring for me and I don’t know how he has the energy. Every time I go out I have to be one step ahead all the time and often I just can’t go out – I feel like a prisoner in my own home.”

Last month Prime Minister David Cameron pledged to introduce two new offences in England and Wales – stalking, and stalking where there is a fear of violence, while Home Secretary Theresa May said police would also be given new powers of entry to investigate stalking offences.

But Lisa said: “I would ring the police and say he just pulled up behind me in the car and they would ask ‘what is he doing?’ “He wasn’t doing anything, he as just sat there, watching and they say there is nothing they can do – even though they’ve got two years of logs about his abuse and harassment.

“The Government say they want this and that, but I don’t think they have a clue – though I think it needs to be designated as a criminal offence.

“It’s still a taboo subject and people don’t talk about it. How many people are suffering like me and are not reporting it? It needs to be talked about.”

Lisa will tell her story during a three-hour event hosted by domestic violence charity HomeTruths to raise awareness of stalking on National Stalking Awareness Day, April 18. Charity founder Kim Swinden said: “The sessions aim to increase professionals’ understanding of stalking by current or ex-partners, the impact it has on victims, the legislation around stalking and the resources and help available to anyone experiencing stalking.”

To book places contact HomeTruths on 01793 617589 and for more information visit http://hometruths.coop/