New Law for Victims of Stalking and Harassment
Justice Minister Helen McEntee announced a n umber of amendments to the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill on the 14th of June.
Many of the amendments related to the new offence of harassment and stalking. These will guarantee anonymity for alleged victims and provision for making civil orders restraining stalking on an urgent basis. There will also be restrictions on cross-examination.
The Minister stated that the new orders would go further than what is possible under the existing Domestic Violence legislation- ie. It would extend it beyond persons with whom an alleged victim may be in a relationship with and also the conduct that can be prohibited by the court.
Under the new legislation stalking will be a standalone offence, and the existing harassment offence is expanded. It is hoped that these new measures will greatly assist in deterring would be stalkers/persons who decide that harassment of somebody close to them is an offence that they can get away with.
For further information on this and any other family law related matter, please do not hesitate to contact Brendan Dillon, Erika Coughlan or Aoife Cathcart on 012960666.
