New laws coming into force today will make stalking a recognised crime, with police acknowledging that they "could have done better" in some past instances of responding to victims of stalking.
The Crimes Advocacy (Stalking and Harassment) Amendment Bill introduces a standalone offence for stalking and harassment, following years of advocacy from victim-survivors and campaigners.
Inspector Natasha Allen, acting Director of Prevention, said the new legislation enabled police to act earlier, recognising stalking as a pattern of behavior rather than isolated incidents.
Police would be allowed to issue a stalking and harassment notice at an early stage, warning an alleged offender their behaviour is unacceptable, and that continued conduct could lead to criminal charges.
If a person engaged in at least two specified acts within a two-year period, they could be charged directly with the new offence without a notice being issued first.
The offence carried a maximum penalty of up to five years’ imprisonment.
“These new laws mean our staff can now take immediate action where stalking is identified,” Allen said.
“We recognise there have been instances in the past where we could have done better in supporting victims of stalking.
“We’ve taken steps to improve this, strengthening the way police assess and respond to these incidents.”
Allen said police had been trained on the new framework and would work directly with victims before notices were issued to develop safety plans.
“Our focus is first and foremost on the victim’s safety and wellbeing,” she said.
“We want people to know police are here and will actively use these new laws to support them. Stalking and harassment can be ongoing and may escalate quickly.
“If people think they’re being stalked, I’d encourage them to reach out straight away to Police on 105, or 111 if they are in immediate danger."
New laws 'years in the making' - Minister
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith told Breakfast said the legislation had been "years in the making" and was designed to better protect people from escalation into serious harm.
“There’s a range of offences in the legislation such as attacking somebody’s reputation online, loitering and doing any combination of things that over time show a pattern of causing fear and intimidation,” he said.
“The problem with it is if it’s left unchecked, it can lead to violent offending down the line. So we are trying to send a clear message here."
Goldsmith added the legislation, passed in November last year, was something a "wide group of people had been calling for, for a long time".
"There's a whole pattern of work we are doing to make it very clear that we don't tolerate stalking, and we don't tolerate sexual offending in any way," he said.
"There will be consequences for it."
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