CAMPAIGN: Call for specific laws to protect stalking victims in NI

Downtown Radio and Cool FM are today launching a campaign to bring in stand alone stalking legislation to Northern Ireland.

Currently, we are the only part of the UK that do not have protections in law for victims.

The only law in place at the moment is a 20 year old harassment order.

Throughout the week, we will be bringing you interviews from campaigners, victims and politicians to highlight the issue and bring it to the forefront.

Please click this link to sign our petition.

First up is Kelly Andrews from Womens Aid in Belfast and Lisburn.

She campaigned for a Domestic Bill to be introduced, which is now in process.

Ms Andrews is now joining our campaign to bring in stalking legislation.

What is stalking?

Stalking is when an individual becomes excessively obsessed with another, and starts a relentless campaign of following and intimidation, for no reason other than their need to be close to their victim, to gain revenge for their rejection, or avenge a “wrong” they believe was caused to them.

Stalking is an obsessive fixation which is powered and renewed with continuous, unwanted contact attempts to their target, using texts, emails, letters, social media, door calling, “drive-bys”, following, suddenly appearing in shops, or visiting places of work.

Am I being stalked?

Key traits of a stalker include:

How will laws protect victims?

Currently, the PSNI cannot take action when a victim reports stalking, as there is no specific law for the crime.

The perpetrator will be able to continue their action until it falls under harassment.

This is why campaigners says it is vital Department of Justice bring in legislation to protect victims, and also highlight the issue which is under reported.

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