- The information within this guidance may be relevant to assist criminal justice agencies and statutory bodies, as well as non-governmental and voluntary organisations which may be associated with victims or others affected by stalking behaviour.
- This guidance is for the police in the exercise of their functions in relation to the stalking offence. It is designed to assist police officers to make appropriate and proportionate assessments when investigating reports of stalking.
- This guidance will assist those taking forward criminal proceedings for the stalking offence.
This guidance has been developed in conjunction with key voluntary and statutory partners and published by the Department of Justice as statutory guidance under section 17 of the Protection from Stalking Act (Northern Ireland) 2022. It applies to stalking behaviour carried out in Northern Ireland as well as abroad (where the accused is normally resident in Northern Ireland).
Stalking offence statutory guidance