Derry Daily
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Sport
  • Features
  • Courts
  • Business
  • Health
  • Politics
  • Jobs
Sunday 18°CMonday 16°C

Derry Daily Derry Daily Derry Daily

  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Sport
  • Features
  • Courts
  • Business
  • Health
  • Politics
  • Jobs
CourtsDerry CityHealthNews

‘Stalking bill will finally tackle violence against women’

April 6, 2021
ShareTweet

SDLP Foyleside Councillor Mary Durkan

SDLP Foyleside Councillor Mary Durkan has welcomed progress in new stalking legislation making its way through the Assembly.

And she is encouraging more people to respond in the final week of the consultation period.

Said Miss Durkan said: “It’s not before time, but we must welcome the fact that the Protection from Stalking Bill is set to be enacted during this Assembly mandate.

“The collapse of the Stormont institutions in 2017 has been a major factor in delay in this crucial legislation.

“The North is the only region on these islands where stalking is not a specific criminal offence.

“In Scotland, stalking has been an offence for over a decade now. As is too often the case, we are playing catch up.”

Cllr Durkan added: “The deadline for the consultation is approaching, and I would like to remind as many people as possible to participate and share their views.

“It is particularly important for those who have been affected by stalking to have input in shaping the legislation.

“It is hoped that this new law will ultimately save lives and make positive differences to those who have suffered as a result of unwanted, persistent or obsessive attention that too often escalates into psychological torture.

“Stalking may take different forms, and we need to ensure the legislation offers robust protection to those in need.

“Too many victims have not been able to avail of protection under the existing law.

“The Protection of Harassment Order 1997 has now been in place for almost a quarter of a century. The world we live in has changed dramatically.

“In 1997 nobody knew about social media, and mobile phones were not widely used. In today’s world these are common tools used for stalking.

“Stalking can affect people of any gender, age, background, but evidence suggests that women and girls being disproportionately affected by such behaviour.

“Thus this new legislation is important in terms of addressing the wider issue of violence against women and girls in our communities.”

The closing date for consultation responses is Friday, April 16, 2021.

Email: [email protected]

‘Stalking bill will finally tackle violence against women’ was last modified: April 6th, 2021 by cassoscoop

Tags:
'Stalking bill will tackle violence against women and girls'Councillor Mary DurkanProtection from Stalking BillProtection of Harassment Order 1997SDLPSTORMONT ASSEMBLY
ShareTweet

LEAVE A COMMENT

You may also like

Drink-driver charged to court over Derry collision

8 hours ago

Funeral of mother and daughter killed in...

12 hours ago

Man arrested over Class C drugs seizure...

12 hours ago

Boyce hat-trick sends Derry City into seventh...

16 hours ago

Dance company loses appeal over 100% annual...

18 hours ago

Unmissable music events coming to the Abbey...

1 day ago

Derry priest faces seven more child sex...

1 day ago

New leaflet to help older people beat...

1 day ago

Man charged with possessing indecent images of...

2 days ago

Loving mother and daughter killed in Donegal...

2 days ago

Keep in touch

Facebook Twitter Email

Features

  • Sun, sea, spectacular views, historical charm and fabulous food. Tunisia of course

    April 5, 2024
  • Magical trip to see Santa from Belfast

    December 20, 2023
  • DD Travel Feature: Cork’s amazing The Montenotte Hotel

    April 18, 2023
  • Derry cancer survivor Noeleen McMorris reveals importance of awareness

    July 25, 2022
  • Competition! Win tickets to Northern Ireland v England Women’s Euro 2022 match

    June 17, 2022

Courts

  • Drink-driver charged to court over Derry collision

    July 5, 2025
  • Derry priest faces seven more child sex charges

    July 4, 2025
  • Man charged with possessing indecent images of children

    July 4, 2025
  • Two men in court after £1.2m cannabis find near border

    July 3, 2025
  • Two charged over huge cannabis haul seized in North West

    July 3, 2025

Donegal Daily

    Read More

    • News
    • Sport
    • Courts
    • Jobs
    • Features
    • Business
    • Politics

    Information

    • Contact Us
    • About
    • Advertise WIth Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions
    Derry Daily

    © 2025 Derry Daily. All rights reserved.


    Back To Top

    We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkPrivacy policy