New stalking laws in place

New measures came into effect this week which will help victims of stalking.

The new provisions came into effect on Monday and allows victims of stalking, or a member of the gardaí acting on their behalf, to apply to the district court for an order prohibiting such behaviour from continuing.

This new system of civil orders, announced by Minister for Justice Helen McEntee, has been designed to prevent stalking and protect victims by allowing for earlier intervention without requiring the level of proof needed to secure a criminal conviction.

She said: “Providing for civil orders to prevent stalking is an important step forward in our work to tackle all forms of sexual and gender-based violence, regardless of the relationship between the victim and the perpetrator.

“Stalking can have very serious impacts on people subjected to it and I am introducing robust legislation to ensure that everyone has what is needed to ensure they are protected and safe, and feel safe.”

Minister of State and Cork TD Colm Burke said: “This legislation introduces a new system of civil orders specifically designed to prevent stalking and protect victims, allowing for earlier intervention without the need for the high level of proof required in criminal cases.”

He added: “This approach extends the protections currently provided under the Domestic Violence Act 2018 to all victims of stalking, regardless of their relationship to the perpetrator. Furthermore, the court can issue an interim order to provide victims with immediate protection while their application is being reviewed, offering a crucial safeguard against ongoing harassment,” Minister Burke concluded.

“These measures not only provide timely protection but also affirm Fine Gael’s commitment to creating a society where everyone can live free from fear and harassment,” Minister Burke concluded.