In effect from today, the new orders — also known as SPOs — will allow police to intervene early in an investigation, prior to any conviction of stalking, in an effort to disrupt stalking behaviours before they become entrenched, or escalate in severity.

The police will be able to apply to the court for an SPO if it appears that a person has carried out acts associated with stalking or poses a risk associated with stalking and there is reasonable cause to believe the SPO is necessary to protect another person.

SPOs will also allow police to apply for restrictions on perpetrators, for example, prohibiting them from entering a particular area or from making contact with the victim including by telephone, post, email, text message, or social media, or physically approaching the victim.

An SPO will last for a minimum of two years and the breach of the terms of an order will be a criminal offence, which will carry a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment.

The new orders are introduced through the Protection from Stalking Act (Northern Ireland) 2022, which also introduced the new offences of stalking and threatening or abusive behaviour in April 2022.

Richard Pengelly CB, permanent secretary at the Department of Justice, said: “I welcome the introduction of these new oders. Stalking can have a devastating impact on victims, and this new measure will offer protection for victims of stalking from the very start of an investigation.

“Importantly, the onus is taken away from the victim to apply for these orders as the police will apply directly to the courts.

“I am grateful to justice partners in the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Public Prosecution Service and Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service for their work in bringing stalking protection orders into operation.”