It may also be a precursor to acts of direct physical violence. Stalking is an extremely serious and invasive crime that can cause devastating psychological distress. I acknowledge the work of Senator Lisa Chambers in this regard and the engagement that we have had. To that end, the Bill will introduce a stand-alone offence of stalking under the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997. Part of achieving this is ensuring that our criminal law is fit for purpose with the right offences in place, to reflect the crimes that are, sadly, all too commonplace in our society, with perpetrators punished in a way that reflects the harm their actions cause, and with appropriate protections in place to protect and support victims and to prevent escalation. Its aim is to bring about a change in attitudes and in systems to ensure there is zero tolerance in society for such violence. Last year, the Minister, Deputy McEntee, launched the Zero Tolerance plan, the third national strategy on DSGBV. I will turn first to measures on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. However, I am very happy to address specific provisions in more detail as the Bill proceeds through the House. Given its wide scope, I will only touch on the most significant provisions in the time available. It will help combat domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, DSGBV, tackle organised crime, enhance public safety and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our legal system. As colleagues know, this is a wide-ranging Bill that will improve our criminal law. I am very pleased to bring the Bill before the Seanad this evening. Appearing before an Oireachtas committee.
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