New protections for stalking victims instated.

New measures announced by Minister for Justice Helen McEntee have come into effect to prevent stalking and protect victims. These provisions allow individuals subjected to stalking behavior to apply for civil orders in the District Court to prohibit such behavior, providing earlier intervention without requiring the level of proof needed for a criminal conviction.

The legislation extends protections to all victims of stalking behavior, irrespective of their relationship with the perpetrator, whereas previously it only applied to current or former partners. The court can grant interim orders for immediate protection while awaiting the final determination of an application.

This legislation, which followed the introduction of a standalone stalking offense with stricter penalties for domestic violence in November 2023, aims to tackle all forms of sexual and gender-based violence. Women’s Aid CEO Sarah Benson praised the new measures for potentially preventing dangerous escalation of stalking behaviors.

These measures mark an important step in ensuring the safety and well-being of victims, with McEntee emphasizing the serious impacts of stalking on individuals. The effectiveness of this legislation will be tested in court as individuals seek protection from stalking behaviors.