The Stalking - A Serious Concern consultation focuses on the impact of stalking on victims and the wider community and asks whether the introduction of a specific offence of stalking in Northern Ireland could offer victims better protection.

In 2016, then Justice Minister Claire Sugden announced that she was looking into the law around stalking, but the work was effectively put on hold by the collapse of the Northern Ireland Executive.

Peter May, permanent secretary at the Department of Justice, said: “Stalking can have a devastating effect on victims. The impact of stalking can be life-changing and can lead to loss of life. To disrupt such behaviour and to shield its victims we must ensure that the law provides the best possible protection for those affected.”

“We are seeking views from the public and from organisations and groups with an interest in preventing stalking. We would particularly like to hear from individuals who have been directly affected by stalking, and to hear about experiences in seeking help and support from the criminal justice system.”

The consultation paper has been developed in collaboration with victims groups and partner organisations.

The “Stalking Reference Group” worked with the Department to identify best practice models to address the wider issues associated with stalking and to ensure that the criminal justice system is as effective as possible in tackling stalking behaviour.

The Department also liaised with its counterparts in England and Wales, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland to build a picture of the differing policy and legislation approaches being used to tackle stalking.

The Department are planning to hold public engagement events in January 2019 ahead of the close of the consultation on 21 February 2019.