Three quarters of stalking victims 'targeted online' Mr Afzal said such delays could have a major impact on victims. The behaviour could continue - it could escalate. The victims will continue to feel harrassed. A study last year found that cyberstalking could have "devastating" psychological effects. Katherine Jenkins, the Welsh classical singer, revealed she had an online stalker who had been bullying her for more than a year. Prosecutions under the Malicious Communications Act, which makes it illegal to send indecent or grossly offensive messages, have tripled since 2004 to reach 899 last year, although prosecutors admit this represents a fraction of crimes committed. The Home Office is currently consulting on changing the law. A spokesman said: "Tackling hate crime is an issue the Government takes very seriously." Facebook said: "A tiny number of malicious people wish to upset others, online and off. When abuse is reported to us, we react swiftly to review content and will disable accounts that are found to be in breach of our rules.