Sinn Fein councillor Patricia Logue
SINN Féin Councillor Patricia Logue has said effective legislation is needed to combat stalking.
She made her comments as new legislation is being put before the Stormont Assembly in a bid to give victims better protection and prosecute perpetrators.
Said Cllr Logue: “Stalking is a deeply insidious, invasive, psychological form of criminal abuse, with shocking side effects and consequences for victims.
“Despite that we still do not have a legal definition of stalking or effective legislation.
“Stalking is a breach of human rights and therefore undermines article 8 of the Human Rights Act. Yet here in the North it is not a specific criminal offence.
“Scottish law since 2010 has made stalking a specific criminal offence, and a priority crime. We should follow Scotland’s lead.
“Stalking is a crime which has existed for too long beyond the reach of the law in Ireland, north and south.
“This gap in our law should be closed by the Department of Justice and prioritised as an item of all island cooperation,” added the Derry councillor.