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How A Harmless Friendship Led To Six Years Of Stalking | Truth Be Told with Zara McDermott

Zara McDermott

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Support Resources:
National Stalking Helpline: 0808 802 0300
Suzy Lamplugh Trust: suzylamplugh.org

At 23, Hannah's life was derailed by an influx of stalking and cyber-harassment at the hands of a friend she had met through work. Over the following six years, Hannah was subjected to persistent anonymous messages, attempts at identity theft, threats and intimidation, physical post and phone-hacking. Now, she speaks on her experiences to help other stalking victims feel less alone, and raise awareness around this often overlooked crime.

SUBSCRIBE: @zaranicolemcdermott

Watch the Truth Be Told playlist here: Truth Be Told with Zara McDermott | Podcas...

20 Comments

@Bianca-lu8hb 2 weeks ago

It’s a shame he can’t be outed with his full name and photo. It could help prevent further issues.

@bell-collector5772 12 days ago

Do not say “ your stalker” it gives them power and possession over you and they love that shit. Just say the stalker.

@heidihrh8878 2 weeks ago

My dad gave me some great advice when I was young, he said, the only man that will give you something for free, is me. She didn't deserve what happened but it's not wise to continue to accept generosity from a man you know is attracted to you. There are some entitled people out there who do things so you'll owe them.

@queenofthebutterflies5212 2 weeks ago (edited)

I truly believe that grooming needs to become a part of segg’s education and curriculum in schools. So many people would benefit from it. So many people are victims in various forms and ways.

@Loupdelou-ly1ve 2 weeks ago

Never throw the things away that are sent - including voicemails, texts, mail, parcels - keep it all, and write a timeline of things that are happening. There'll be so many, you'll never remember them all. When you go to the police, it's all evidence, otherwise it's just hearsay.

@siennavine81 2 weeks ago

She wasn’t using a man, she was being naive because she was young. There is no excuse for his psychotic behavior and he’s the only one to blame for his actions.

@witchplease2631 13 days ago

My mother was stalked by a neighbor. She was terrified and we as children were also terrified. He tortured our lives. It lasted for a few years. We eventually found out who the stalker was and he only lived a few doors up from us. It finally stopped when he took his own life after his wife had found out what he was doing.

@lamusica1592 2 weeks ago

These dream thieves exist in lots of unregulated spaces eg fashion , music etc.

@maggieob2815 2 weeks ago

I have to say Zara I love your interviewing skills we actually get to hear the story of these people and you ask questions that we want to know, this poor girl horrible what she went through 😮

@jellowmusic6571 2 weeks ago

We as a generation have not been prepared for this level of technology abuse and how experts can distort peoples lives using it

@c.719 10 days ago

Never in human history has a wealthy older man ever befriended a young beautiful woman for the innocent purpose of spending money on her without expecting anything in return... I have daughters who are nearing adult age, and it is important to me that they understand the psychology of men, especially men who are so wealthy/powerful that they believe they are above the law. Prayers for the stalking victim here, it causes PTSD that she will carry forever (my in- laws stalked me very aggressively, yes they are wealthy, and I don't forsee the day it will finally stop haunting me).

@suritamahashi9981 2 weeks ago

Tremendous courage from this guest to come tell her story, and raise awareness. Especially since in this case it seems that the stalker has had zero consequences or accountability. Zara, I'm so glad my YouTube algorithm brought me to your channel :) Thank you for all you do! Subscribed!

@idalarsson4729 3 weeks ago

I’ve listened to the podcast and I encourage everyone to listen to it. The things she has been through is horrific and I honestly don’t know how I would react if it happened to me. 💕

@Emeraude-t9d 13 days ago

I hope you are ok now & doing ok emotionally, brave young lady. Well done 🤍

@lejlakhaleesi 2 weeks ago

Unbelievable that the police will actually say to a stalking victim that they have to be d3ad for them to do something. It is scary and crazy as fak!

@suziex4190 13 days ago

Wow, thank you. I went through a version of this. Hyper-vigilanve, zero trust, moved far far away, avoiding people, gray-rocking it.

@hs-pj8ho 2 weeks ago (edited)

Nothing in life is for free accepting gifts off a man who you know is attracted to you will cause problems once he feels rejected!!

@Mackenzie4.4 2 weeks ago

This exact same thing happened to one of my dear friends. A man befriended her for years and everything about him was a lie even his age. Near the end of all the stalking he had already stolen 300k from her parents by stealing bank cards eat when accessed to her family home. Evil.