Anti-Stalking Legislation Introduced

Ordinary people sharing petitions with their networks and on social media works! Tackling stalking was low on Paul Goldsmith’s priority list, but the MP changed his mind following public pressure. He announced a sped-up timetable when accepting the 20,000-strong petition you signed in June 2024.

New stalking legislation has now been introduced and passed through first reading on December 12th.

The new stalking offense comes with a maximum penalty of five years in prison and covers patterns of stalking behaviour (which is defined as three acts within a 12-month period).

It also outlines behaviours that could count as stalking or harassment, like damaging someone’s reputation, recording or tracking them, following them, loitering, or using technology for these purposes.

In addition, four key changes will be made to back up this new law:

• Courts will be able to issue restraining orders and orders related to harmful online communication when sentencing someone under this offense.
• Two new stalking-related factors will be added to consider when deciding a sentence.
• Offenders will be banned from getting a firearms license.
• The definition of psychological violence in the Family Violence Act will now include stalking.

The Coalition for the Safety of Women and Children welcomed the new law but is critical of the requirement for three specified acts within a 12-month period.