A stalking survivor has shared her story as part of National Stalking Awareness Week, highlighting the lasting impact of abuse and urging others to seek help.
A stalking survivor has spoken about how her life was turned upside down by abuse, as part of National Stalking Awareness Week.
Maria*, whose name has been changed, says her former partner’s behaviour left her feeling frightened, trapped and constantly on edge — even after their relationship ended.
What began as a friendly connection during the Covid lockdowns quickly escalated into abuse. Maria says her partner became violent, breaking her nose and her hand during the relationship.
In 2021, she ended things after discovering he had got another woman pregnant. But the ordeal did not stop there.
Over the following years, her former partner repeatedly contacted her with unwanted calls and messages, often turning abusive. Even after blocking him, he continued reaching out using other people’s phones and fake social media accounts.
His behaviour escalated further in 2023, when he sent her an explicit image, before later beginning to follow her in public.
Maria says she was left terrified after spotting him outside a café she regularly visited in Peterborough. CCTV later showed he followed her in his car shortly afterwards.
The stalking continued, with the man repeatedly following her to work, shouting abuse and intimidating her from his vehicle — leaving her too afraid to go about her daily life.
“I was shaking with fear. I couldn’t sleep. I had panic attacks whenever I went out,” she said.
Police later arrested the man near the café. He was convicted of stalking and sentenced to one year in prison.
Maria says the impact of the ordeal was life-changing. She changed jobs, avoided familiar places and rarely felt safe on her own.
Now, she is sharing her story to encourage others to seek help.
“I’m not scared anymore,” she said. “I would urge anyone going through this to call the police.
“Now I can say my life has changed. I am free.”
Police are reminding anyone experiencing stalking or harassment not to suffer in silence and to report concerns.
*Name changed to protect identity
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