STALKING is a horrible crime, but one that Scotland is taking the lead in addressing. Having passed a law to criminalise such harassment two years ahead of England, and in advance of similar moves in other European countries, we arguably also have a better, clearer definition of the crime than in other jurisdictions.

Someone can now be prosecuted in the Scottish courts if a victim suffers at least two instances of stalking behaviour which causes fear or alarm. Yet there is still a long way to go in addressing this distressing and misunderstood offence.

As well as physically following someone, stalking can encompass harassment by phone, or email, or text, or the sharing of intimate images – widely but unhelpfully known as “revenge porn”. Such behaviour can destroy lives, causing emotional, financial and reputational harm. In the worst cases it can lead to crimes of appalling violence.

But it is not necessarily only the domain of the aggrieved ex-partner, as people often think. Similar methods are employed by paedophiles, school bullies, family members or employers. The common factor is a compulsion to humiliate or control. Sexual or romantic attraction – or obsession – may be involved but need not necessarily be.

The internet is not to blame, but has provided endless possibilities, and discreet and creative ways to pursue such crimes.

We all need to be aware of the dangers of technological advances and trends such as social media which can expose children to danger but equally can put any of us at risk.

Even if we are guarded about revealing our own personal details, how many of us can be sure that our friends and online contacts are so diligent?

This is not to advocate hand-wringing, or decry the many benefits the internet brings. But it does mean yesterday’s conference in Glasgow exploring the risks of stalking and responses to it was timely and welcome.

There are questions about how the courts deal with such crimes, and whether the sentences on offer are too crude to offer a solution. Sending someone to prison may provide a sense of justice for those they have persecuted, but may be only a temporary solution.

Many perpetrators do not see what they do as wrong, or accept the need to change and it is unrealistic to ask jails to turn around obsessional attitudes and beliefs. Community alternatives may not offer enough protection either, certainly at present.

There is a need to understand the crime more. Those responsible may need help to overcome their compulsion, which is not to in any way dismiss or diminish the severity of their crime.

But more awareness is vital, especially when many people affected may still not be aware they are victims of a crime.

More awareness means more friends stepping in to point out that what is going on is not acceptable, more people with the knowledge of how to keep a diary of incidents which may provide vital evidence at a later date, and more parents able to take the necessary measures to ensure their children are safe online.