'On one occasion I had 155 WhatsApp messages in a few hours'
NI stalking victims have shared how they have been affected as new Stalking Protection Orders came into effect on Thursday.
Another victim, who shared their experience anonymously, said on one occasion they had 155 WhatsApp messages in a few hours and was also receiving messages on two other platforms at the same time - with calls between. These new Orders, which the Police Service can now seek from Magistrates, are an important development in helping to better protect victims or anyone connected with them, in stalking cases.
There are also further conditions that can be considered depending on the nature of the stalking behaviour. However an Order is not an alternative to prosecution for stalking offences under the Protection from Stalking Act NI 2022, and it can be used to strengthen prosecutions as well as safeguarding victims.
“The operationalisation of SPOs now allows our officers to take swift and decisive action, putting restrictions in place and enforcing breaches, treating them as criminal offences. Our readiness to take action in this way we hope will have a hugely positive effect on the confidence people have in coming forward, knowing that in Northern Ireland we take stalking incredibly seriously.”