Stalking victims can now apply for emergency court orders under new provisions

Victims of stalking can now apply for emergency court orders for thier protection under a range of new measures.

These measures are being introduced this Monday, September 2, by Part 5 of the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023 Act which was signed into law by the President in July 2023.

It introduces a new system of civil orders designed to prevent stalking and protect victims and represents an important first step in addressing stalking behaviour by allowing for earlier intervention without requiring the level of proof needed to secure a criminal conviction.

A victim of stalking, or a member of the Garda Síochána acting on their behalf, can apply to the District Court for an order "prohibiting another person from engaging in relevant conduct".

This new approach extends protections currently available to certain victims under the Domestic Violence Act 2018 to all victims of stalking behaviour, regardless of their relationship with the perpetrator.

“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," Justice Minister Helen McEntee said in a press release.

"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," she continued.