Stalking Bill to be debated by MLAs as it takes another step closer to being passed
MLAs will debate proposals for a stand-alone Protection from Stalking Bill in the Assembly today.
The 20 clause Bill will create a specific offence of stalking and include provision for the introduction of Stalking Protection Orders to Northern Ireland.
The PSNI currently deals with stalking under the Protection from Harassment Order (NI) 1997.
If passed, the Stalking Bill will give courts the power to hand out a 10 year sentence for the most serious offences.
The new Bill has been broken down in to two parts -
Part one gives effect to the intention to improve the operation of the justice system, by creating a specific offence of stalking that recognizes the experiences of victims and the behaviours associated with stalking.
The Bill also includes the offence of threatening and abusive behaviour that can be made out after a single incident. The Bill also provides that all victims of stalking will have automatic eligibility for assistance with giving evidence in proceedings (special measures such as the use of live links or screens at court).
The Bill also includes the offence of threatening and abusive behaviour that can be made out after a single incident. The Bill also provides that all victims of stalking will have automatic eligibility for assistance with giving evidence in proceedings (special measures such as the use of live links or screens at court).
Cool FM & Downtown campaigned for a stand alone bill to be introduced in Northern Ireland.
Click here to listen to Alice Ruggle's dad, who joined our campaign.
Justice Minister Naomi Long said the bill is "a significant piece of legislation which will help protect many people across Northern Ireland from living in the fear that this kind of crime creates.”
The Minister added: “Since becoming Justice Minister, I have identified progressing stalking legislation as a key priority for me and for my Department. I want to send a clear message that stalking in all its forms will not be tolerated in society.
“This Bill will create a specific offence of stalking that will address behaviour or acts associated with stalking, something the current law does not do effectively. The new legislation will be better focused on stalking behaviour and will have greater and more appropriate penalties and protections than are available under current harassment legislation.”
The Minister stressed that protection of the victim is at the very heart of the legislation. She added: “The introduction of Stalking Protection Orders will be a key tool for police. These Orders will enable them to intervene, prior to any conviction, to address stalking behaviours before they become entrenched or escalate in severity, and to protect victims when there is an immediate risk of harm.”