Abstract:
The provisions relating to “unlawful stalking” in the new Protection from Harassment Act 2014 have great potential to increase protection given to victims of family violence, sexual harassment, cyber bullying and lesser forms of antisocial conduct. “Unlawful stalking” is a new criminal offence as well as grounds for a protection order or expedited protection order to prohibit such conduct and for civil proceedings for a claim in damages. The challenge is in giving deserving victims as wide protection as possible but limiting the possibility of abuse of the new Act. Comparisons are also made with other offences and orders under the new Act and the Women’s Charter (Cap 353, 2009 Rev Ed).