A PENDLE family and Lancashire Constabulary lent their support to National Stalking Awareness Week, which started yesterday.

The campaign — which carries the tagline Stand Together And Say No — has been launched by personal-safety charity the Suzy Lamplugh Trust.

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Barrowford residents John and Penny Clough, whose daughter Jane was stalked and stabbed to death by her ex-partner, said the project is hugely encouraging.

The emphasis of this year’s campaign is aimed at teaching young people how to recognise when healthy relationships cross the line.

Miss Clough, a 26-year-old nurse, was stabbed 71 times, as she walked into work at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, by her ex-partner Jonathan Vass in July 2010.

Her parents, who established the Justice For Jane campaign, have teamed up with another family and national stalking advocacy service Paladin to collect almost 125,000 signatures calling for a stalkers’ register to be created.

Penny Clough said: “Anything that can get out there what a nasty crime stalking can be is absolutely fantastic. I do not think it is taken seriously enough by the courts. It can put everyday people in fear of leaving their home.”

DS Sue Cawley, head of Lancashire police’s public-protection unit, said research showed that people of college age are the most likely victims of stalking.

She said: “Stalking is a serious crime which can ruin lives and we recognise the serious nature of reports of stalking. There have been a number of high-profile cases locally and nationally which have had devastating consequences for victims and their families.

“It is not unusual for stalking victims to remain behind a wall of silence for fear of reporting or seeking advice — but you do not have to deal with stalking on your own.

“I welcome the focus of increasing awareness among the younger members of society. It is important to remember stalking may affect anyone, of any age and gender.

“I encourage anyone who believes they are or may be the subject of unwanted attention to report their concerns by contacting us on 101.

“For guidance and support call the National Stalking Helpline on 0808 802 0300.”