In 2013, Di McDonald packed up her life in regional Victoria and moved to Melbourne to help her sister care for their ageing parents. Recently divorced, Di was flattered when, in late 2014, a customer she assisted in the store she helped manage expressed a romantic interest in her. She eventually accepted his invitations and, as their relationship developed, it seemed this suave, charming man was too good to be true. And he was.
Di’s life quickly became a story of survival and fear. She was harassed, stalked, defamed, and accused of murdering her best friend. Facing death threats, Di turned to the authorities, but it seemed no one could—or would—put a stop to her nightmare.
From Roses to Terror is the gripping story of one woman’s fight to jail her stalker and emerge from a reign of terror to become a survivor and activist. It’s a story that will lead you down a dark path littered with love bombing, gaslighting, smear campaigns, coercive control, and psychological abuse. It will take you into the dark world of stalking, where victims are hunted by their own private terrorist. But it will also give you hope. If you are a victim of stalking or domestic violence, this book will show you how to take back control of your life.
Di McDonald and James R. Fitzgerald - Catching a Stalker.
Stalking Symposium: Online 8am to 4pm NZST.
$255 NZD
Photo from the Stalking Symposium at the Marriot Hotel Melbourne September 2025.
There is currently a Parlimentary petition to legalise Pepper Spray in Victoria. Led by David Limbrick MP, the petition proposes Victorians 18 and over can carry and use pepper spray in the event of self-defence.
“In many countries it’s legal for ordinary people to carry pepper spray to protect themselves and their families,” says David Limbrick.
We encourage victims, survivors and supporters to get behind this important cause and sign the petition. Empowering women to protect themselves is an important next step to support victims of stalking abuse and domestic violence.
The 2025 He/Diva Day event was held on the 10th October at Q Events in Melbourne. The day was a fund raiser for the Stop Stalking Now Foundation and Racing Hearts.
There was a silent auction with fabulous overseas trips and copies of Di McDonald’s ‘From Roses to Terror’. Guest speakers included Di McDonald, Tracey Rothwell from SSNF and MC Shaun “Cossie” Cosgrove. Guests heard about the Racing Hearts Charity which is Equine (Horses) Assisted Therapy, which give racehorses a new lease on life.
Entertainment included “Humans helping horses helping humans”, a horse race around the tables with wooden horses and jockeys consisting of one person from each table. SADA guests included founder and stalking survivor Di McDonald, Gavin Atkins, David Limbrick MP and supporter Celeste Billing.
NSW courts can now issue new protection orders against domestic violence offenders.
Under new legislation, NSW courts can now order that a perpetrator’s phone can be monitored by police if they are found to be serious, high risk or repeat offenders.
Police will be able to monitor online activity, texting and phone calls to detect harrassment towards domestic violence victims. The new ‘Serious Domestic Abuse Prevention Order (SDAPO)’ can last for 5 years and if breached, may lead to the offender facing a seven year prison sentence and a $33,000 fine. SADA recommends that a similar order be introduced Australia wide.
Read More about the new protections for domestic violence victim survivors
Queensland parliament passed new laws which will allow police to issue on-the-spot domestic violence orders Again Queensland are leading the way.
They introduced “Hannah’s Law” which from May 2025, coercive control is now a crime.
Now police will be able to issue on the spot intervention orders for 12 months, which will relieve the court system. They are also trialling GPS monitoring for the worst offenders. Let’s hope these initiatives go Australia wide.
In August, Di McDonald’s book From Roses to Terror was nominated for Best Memoir 2025 by Authors Book Launch and Expo. Announcement soon, with the Awards Gala in October.
Since 2021 SADA has been involved in many reforms for the Victorian parliament to change and update laws in relation to stalking.
In 2022, the Victorian Law Reform Commission released its final report. We are still waiting for the report recommendations to be implemented by the current Labor Andrews/Allen Government.
ABC’s latest series ‘Bad Romance’ reports on “20/20” stories ripped from the headlines, leading viewers through some of the most shocking and surprising romance stories of the last decade — stories that began with romance and ended in crime.
Di McDonald’s first book From Roses to Terror receives a 5-star review from global website Reader Views.
“Di McDonald’s story is a testament to courage, resilience, and the importance of standing up for oneself and others,” says Reader Views. “From Roses to Terror is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the realities of stalking.”
Members of Parliament and staff can now access Di McDonald’s first book, From Roses to Terror at The Parliamentary Library in Victoria.
Read More at parliament.vic.gov.au
We are so excited to announce this year’s line up of guest speakers at the annual Stalking Awareness Day Australia 2025.
Guest speakers will include Kris Illingsworth, FBI trained profiler, Narelle Fraser, former homicide detective, Libby Tanner, Wentworth actress and Di McDonald, SADA founder and author.
Stalker Awareness Australia Day (SADA) 2025 was held on Saturday 24 May at the Dutch Club Abel Tasman.
Featuring guest speakers, live music by Fleetwood Max and the launch of Di McDonald’s first book, From Roses to Terror.
SADA founder and first time author, Di McDonald signs off the first hard copy of her new book, From Roses to Terror.
"If you are a victim of stalking or domestic violence, this book will show you how to take back control of your life."
SBS Insight’s episode Being Watched explores when being watched crosses the line.
The episode features SADA founder, stalking survivor and activist, Di McDonald. Her stalker installed a tracker on her mobile phone, enabling him to monitor her movements. “He knew when I was at home and when I was at work,” says Di. “After many attempts to remove the tracker, I bought a new phone and number.”
We share their stories. Start new conversations. And raise awareness of the devestating impact of stalking. Stalking is a crime. Follow us on Facebook to stay up to date on our 2027 event.