England & Wales · 2019
Stalking Protection Act 2019
Protects: Victims of stalking, particularly outside intimate-partner contexts (e.g. strangers, acquaintances).
Information only. This is not legal advice. Court procedures and the law change. Always confirm with a solicitor, Citizens Advice, or a domestic abuse advocate before acting.
Summary
Creates the Stalking Protection Order (SPO). Police apply to the magistrates' court; the order can impose both prohibitions and positive requirements (e.g. attend a perpetrator programme). Breach is a criminal offence carrying up to 5 years.
Key provisions
Threshold
Defendant has carried out acts associated with stalking and poses a risk of stalking.
Interim SPO
Available where there is an immediate need to protect the victim while a full order is determined.
What this Act affects
The specific protective court orders and decision points this Act creates or feeds — with the exact statutory section.
Creates the SPO (minimum 2 years). Police-only application. Can impose positive requirements (e.g. perpetrator programme).
Allows interim order pending full hearing where immediate protection needed.
- Breach →
s.8Breach is a standalone criminal offence — up to 5 years.