Stalking legislation in Northern Ireland is a “key priority”, Naomi Long said on Tuesday as a new law aimed at tackling the issue took a step forward.
The Protection from Stalking Bill was debated at the Assembly during its Consideration Stage with the Justice Minister saying it will offer victims of the “horrendous crime ” the protection they deserve.
The Consideration Stage is just two steps away from the Bill receiving Royal Assent and becoming law.
Naomi Long told MLAs: “The stalking offence will carry a maximum penalty on conviction of indictment of ten years imprisonment, or a fine, or both."
She said “this is an important piece of legislation” and wants to see it hit the statute book “at the earliest opportunity”.
In a statement, she added: “I have met many victims of this horrendous crime and listened to the torture, fear and distress they have had to deal with on a daily basis. Women and girls are unfortunately, in the majority of those affected by stalking.
“I fully appreciate the devastating effect that stalking can have on its victims, and how manipulative and persistent a stalker can be. This new law, when agreed will ensure that victims have the protection that they need and deserve to feel safe.”
The Bill, if passed, will create a specific offence of stalking and will be ‘better focused’ on recognising stalking behaviour that can be ‘fixated, obsessive, unwanted and repeated’.
It will also include the offence of threatening or abusive behaviour which can be triggered by a single incident and provides that all victims of stalking will have automatic eligibility for special measures assistance, such as the use of live links or screens at court, when giving evidence in proceedings.
It will have greater and more appropriate penalties and protections than are available under current harassment legislation.
The Bill will also introduce Stalking Protection Orders which will enable police to intervene prior to any conviction.
DOJ said: “This allows police to disrupt stalking behaviours before they become entrenched or escalate in severity; and through them, protect victims when there is an immediate risk of harm. Importantly, the onus is taken away from the victim to apply for these orders as the police will apply directly to the courts.”
The Minister added: “This is a significant piece of legislation which I am confident will soon become law. It will help protect many people across Northern Ireland from living in the fear that this kind of crime creates.”
