27/04/2023
Stalking Victims Urged To 'Reach Out For Support'
Welcoming National Stalking Awareness Week, the Green Party NI has urged stalking victims to "reach out for support".
The Green Party NI Chair of Ards and North Down PCSP, Cllr Rachel Woods, said: "I am glad that the Protection from Stalking Bill is now law and is being used by the PSNI. Legislation to protect victims of stalking was long overdue. The PSNI have been able to charge 47 alleged stalkers in the last year, arresting 88.
"For any victim, stalking is insidious. It can take its toll emotionally and physically. It can also be a precursor to more serious crimes and acts of violence. That is why these new legal protections are so important and will save lives, as well as having new powers for the PSNI through Stalking Prevention Orders.
"Amendments made to the Bill that I ensured were in, meant that we will have more robust training, data collection, reporting and guidance in relation to the new criminal offences. We need to ensure that those at the front line of our criminal justice system are fully trained, especially police officers who will be the first port of call when responding to reports of these crimes. The PSNI have stated that over 4500 officers have been trained, and I will keep raising this locally for Ards and North Down.
"Stalking can be a life-or-death situation, if you need help or advice, please reach out for support."
The Green Party NI Chair of Ards and North Down PCSP, Cllr Rachel Woods, said: "I am glad that the Protection from Stalking Bill is now law and is being used by the PSNI. Legislation to protect victims of stalking was long overdue. The PSNI have been able to charge 47 alleged stalkers in the last year, arresting 88.
"For any victim, stalking is insidious. It can take its toll emotionally and physically. It can also be a precursor to more serious crimes and acts of violence. That is why these new legal protections are so important and will save lives, as well as having new powers for the PSNI through Stalking Prevention Orders.
"Amendments made to the Bill that I ensured were in, meant that we will have more robust training, data collection, reporting and guidance in relation to the new criminal offences. We need to ensure that those at the front line of our criminal justice system are fully trained, especially police officers who will be the first port of call when responding to reports of these crimes. The PSNI have stated that over 4500 officers have been trained, and I will keep raising this locally for Ards and North Down.
"Stalking can be a life-or-death situation, if you need help or advice, please reach out for support."
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Stalking is a crime in Northern Ireland and it will not be tolerated, Justice Minister Naomi Long has said as she launched a campaign to raise awareness of the new stalking offence. Minister Long has announced the introduction of the Protection from Stalking Act (Northern Ireland) 2022.
20 October 2023
New Stalking Protection Orders Are 'Key Tool' For PSNI
The Department of Justice has announced new Stalking Protection Orders for Northern Ireland, which they have said will be a key tool for police to use to protect victims of stalking where there is an immediate risk of harm.
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The Department of Justice has announced new Stalking Protection Orders for Northern Ireland, which they have said will be a key tool for police to use to protect victims of stalking where there is an immediate risk of harm.
22 February 2022
Assembly Passes New Protection From Stalking Bill
The new Protection from Stalking Bill has passed its Final Stage in Northern Ireland Assembly, offering 'greater protection in our communities'.
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24 April 2023
88 Alleged Stalkers Arrested Since Introduction Of NI Legislation
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88 Alleged Stalkers Arrested Since Introduction Of NI Legislation
Eighty-eight alleged stalkers have been arrested and 47 have been charged since the introduction of new legislation to Northern Ireland in April 2022. Today, 24 April, marks the beginning of National Stalking Awareness Week and the one year anniversary of stalking legislation going live across Northern Ireland.
26 January 2022
Proposed Stalking Legislation 'Giant Step Forward' For NI - Long
Proposed new legislation to address the insidious crime of stalking, which is suffered and endured by many victims each and every day has been described as a "giant step forward" for Northern Ireland, Justice Minister Naomi Long has said.
Proposed Stalking Legislation 'Giant Step Forward' For NI - Long
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