THE anti-stalking charity set up by a former Evening Times Scotswoman of the Year has announced Dame Elish Angiolini as its honorary patron.

Action Against Stalking (formerly Action Scotland Against Stalking) revealed the news at today’s Tracking the Stalker conference in Glasgow.

It’s the first ever national anti-stalking conference and attracted leading figures from across the country.

Ann Moulds, who set up the charity after her own stalking ordeal, said: “We are absolutely delighted Scotland’s former Lord Advocate Dame Elish has agreed to be our honorary patron.

“She is one of the most experienced and respected figures in the country and we feel very privileged to have her on board.

“Since the early days of AAS, Dame Elish has been a great supporter of the charity, and she has always been a leader in the fight against domestic violence and stalking, and of bringing about change in society.”

Dame Elish, who was awarded an Evening Times Scotswoman of the Year Editor’s Award, chaired the conference which was opened by Cabinet Secretary for Justice Scotland, Michael Matheson MSP.

Speakers included Marilyn Hawes of Enough Abuse UK and Ann Marie Hicks, of Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Services Scotland.

Ann Moulds explained: “The aim of the conference is to raise awareness of stalking, to share knowledge, good practice and achievements.

“One in six men and women have experienced stalking during the last 12 months, according to UK Criminal Justice Survey reports – and children are also at risk.

“The links between predatory stalkers and child sexual abuse have been overlooked. Children and young people are being groomed daily by internet savvy criminals who are using the power of technology to easily find victims.”

She adds: “The sexual predatory stalker was once a lone wolf, limited by the physical environment – but the internet has provided an online community where these deviants can converse, share and even barter for victims.

“We hope by staging this conference, we can bring together criminal justice, law enforcement, care and support professionals and employers across sectors to raise awareness and to advise, support and protect victims of stalking through our work in the UK and internationally.”

Ann was crowned Evening Times Scotswoman of the Year in 2013 for her pioneering work in the field of anti-stalking legislation.

Following a horrifying two-year ordeal at the hands of a stalker, Ann campaigned tirelessly for a change in the law.

Thanks to her efforts, tougher sentencing was introduced in Scotland and the rest of the UK quickly followed. Ann’s campaigning was also instrumental in changing the law in 47 countries around Europe.

Dame Elish, who is from Glasgow, was the first woman to become both Scotland’s Solicitor General and Lord Advocate. She is currently principal of St Hugh’s College Oxford.