Two new laws designed to crack down on violence in the home and stalking will come into effect today.

And last night the legislation was welcomed by Paget East MP Kim Young, who headed up a special Task Force on Women's Issues which recommended a broadening and toughening of the law.

The two new laws are the Domestic Violence (Protection Orders) Act and the Stalking Act.

The domestic violence legislation extends protection for victims from spouses and ex-spouses or those who have lived together as man and wife to include other family or household members and people who have had close personal relationships with another person.

It also allows for applications to the courts to be made by Police, children's officers or anyone having "a sufficient interest.'' Ms Young said: "It's very important because a significant proportion of people who are abused are abused by people who are from an old relationship and they may not have been married.'' Labour and Home Affairs Minister Quinton Edness, who also handles Legislative Affairs, said the applications process was particularly important.

He said: "It will allow people who are courageously and tirelessly working in volunteer organisations such as the Women's Resource Centre and the Physical Abuse Centre to act on behalf of clients who need assistance to help themselves.'' The Stalking Act criminalises actions which cause another person "fear or harm for his or her safety.'' It includes use of the telephone, letters, e-mail, interference with property, entering homes, places of employment or other regular haunts of the victim and keeping the victim under surveillance.

Ms Young said: "The Women's Resource Centre will be really pleased because that's where people go when they have problems.'' Mr. Edness added: "An individual who is harassed in such a manner will now be able to apply to the court for a protection order provided they are prepared to institute criminal proceedings against the stalker.'' Maximum penalties under the Domestic Violence Act are a year in prison or a $5000 fine, or both.

For stalking, offenders can expect up to a year in jail or a $2500 fine or both.

But armed stalkers or those who defy an existing protection order could face three years in jail or a $5000 fine or both.