Dr Short, who is Co-Director of the National Centre for Cyberstalking Research based at the University of Bedfordshire, will form a quartet of stalking campaigners and online harassment researchers, who are to appear at the prestigious debating and speaking society on 27 May.

The panel will deliberate over issues such as the impact on stalking victims, the warning signs of a stalker and how to react when someone becomes a target.

“Stalking is far more common than most people think – affecting 1 in 6 women and 1 in 10 men,” said Dr Short, a Senior Lecturer in Counselling Psychology at Bedfordshire.

“In spite of recent legislation, stalking is on the increase, due to the overwhelming presence of mobiles and computers in modern day society.  These methods are much more instant, and easier, in contrast to physically following someone.”

Joining Dr Short at the Oxford Union will be Alexis Bowater, Chief Executive for the Network for Surviving Stalking; Harry Fletcher, stalking campaigner; and Jennifer Perry, who wrote the UK Guidelines on Digital Risks for Victims of Domestic Violence and Stalking in 2012.

Dr Short added: “It is essential we keep pushing for tougher legislation to combat the growing problem of stalking. Hopefully by holding debates between leading experts, such as the upcoming event at Oxford Union, we’ll come up with a clear vision of how to achieve that.”

Founded in 1823, the Oxford Union aims to promote debate and discussion across the globe. The Union attracts distinguished guests and speakers from around the world.