STALKING victims are now able report their concerns to police online in an effort to encourage more people to come forward.

On Friday last week, Police Scotland launched their Online Reporting Form to "reach out" to those who find it too difficult to air their allegations in person.

The facility also allows concerned family members, friends or colleagues, to contact police on the victim's behalf.

Incorporated into the form are a number of key safeguards, such as allowing the complainer to be contacted by police through a trusted friend.

Arrangements can also be made for an interpreter; for only plain-clothes officers to get in touch; or for interviews to be conducted by female officers only.

Police have given further assurances that a police enquiry will be launched to fully investigate the circumstances of any allegation made to them.

Deputy Chief Constable Johnny Gwynne said: "Stalking is a serious and often terrifying form of abuse as well as a potentially dangerous crime. Police Scotland officers are trained to ensure vulnerable individuals are treated in a considerate and professional manner.

"We are committed to exploring new ways to support victims of stalking. The development of this form is part of that commitment and enables victims from all communities to report abuse.

"We hope this will make police more accessible to people who many not wish to – or may not be able to – visit a police station in person, in the first instance.

"Police Scotland is committed to providing a robust response to stalking, to supporting victims, their families and friends, and using the full force of the law and all means available to us to pursue perpetrators."

There are currently around 100-125 stalking allegations made to police in Forth Valley each year, with a fairly high detection rate of around 85-95 per cent.

It occurs when someone embarks on a course of conduct that is causes or is intended to cause fear and alarm to someone else.

Though males are more likely to be the perpetrator, there have been instances when women have been charged with stalking their partner.

Also, stalking does not only occur within the context of a relationship.

However, it has been argued that in some extreme instances, stalking can be a prelude to more serious attacks and, as such, a greater emphasis on reporting concerns has been welcomed by charities.

Ann Moulds, CEO of Action against Stalking, said: "The early identification of stalking cases is critical to victim safety and to prevent the behaviours from escalating to more serious harm.

"While many early staking cases do come to the attention of the police, triggering an affirmative response, victims can often feel reluctant to phone their local police station in the early stages for fear they may not be believed or purely because they are unsure how to report it.

"Not only should the online stalking form make it easier for victims to take that first step in asking for help, the fact it exists delivers a strong message that Police Scotland is reaching out to victims of stalking to encourage them to come forward."

Anyone wishing to report their concerns can do so by visiting https://www.scotland.police.uk/secureforms/stalking/