A conference on the abuse of women is taking place in Dublin, to coincide with International Day Opposing Violence against Women.

There is a specific focus to tackle digital abuse of women on the internet.

A new snapshot of data from Women's Aid confirms that Irish women are being stalked, controlled and harassed online.

25 women had experienced overlapping forms of digital abuse, including 16 cases where offensive or threatening e-mails, text or instant messages had been sent to the woman, her family or friends.

While seven women reported that they were being tracked and monitored through technology on their PC and mobile phones.

A larger study in the UK found that 41% of abused women had experienced online and technology abuse.

There is a call for new, all-encompassing legislation to better protect women from digital abuse and stalking - and for a better understanding of the harmful nature of the abuse.

The conference officially launches the '16 Days of Action' campaign in Ireland.

Garda Commissioner Noírín O'Sullivan is addressing the conference at Wood Quay in Dublin.

Advocate and previous victim of stalking, Ann Moulds, founded Action Scotland Against Stalking in 2009.

She told her story to Newstalk Breakfast.

"I went to the police who dismissed me, because at that time there was no such crime of stalking...such behaviours were classed as a 'no big deal'", she said.

"I had no idea - because it was no one, it started to become everyone".

Advocate Ann Moulds | Image via @annmoulds on Twitter

"Even though I pointed out the escalating warning signs to the police they still ignored it; they said I would have to be attacked first before anything could be done".

Unbeknownst to her at the time, her stalker then befriended her.

"He became my supporter friend - because the police dismissed me...he was the only one that seemed to show any care or compassion".

"He offered me respite in his home - which I refused - he offered to sleep on my couch for a night to give me a night's sleep, and he said if anything ever happens just phone me, I'll be there".

She became suspicious after he used language in a text message similar to that in his letters.

"My central message is that stalking has got to be recognised as a serious form of violence - we need strict, robust clear and succinct legislation to capture the wide range of behaviours".

Listen to her full interview below: