This legislation will give additional protections against spiking and cuckooing

Justice Minister Naomi Long forwarded a legislative motion bill for new provisions in Northern Ireland, including these new offences.

According to the Northern Ireland Department of Justice, Minister Long said:

"Spiking is a despicable act that leaves victims feeling violated, vulnerable and confused.

"Whilst spiking can happen to anyone, it is predominantly an attack against women and girls, and one which often goes unreported.

"I hope by making spiking an offence, it provides additional reassurance and protections to women and girls and will give victims the courage to report attacks to the PSNI."

The new offence on spiking is hoped to "increase public awareness that spiking behaviour is illegal and encourage victims to report incidents to the police."

Minister Long also introduced a criminal offence against cuckooing.

Cuckooing happens when criminals occupy a person's home without consent to "use it for specified criminal activity, if certain conditions are met."

According to the Department of Justice, the cuckooing measure will "improve the identification and safeguarding of victims who no longer feel safe in their homes."

Minister Long said:

“It is, of course, my preference to legislate for devolved matters through the Assembly.

"However, the extension of the provisions will ensure consistency across the UK in tackling certain types of criminality and provide important safeguards for victims.”