There has always been concern amongst law enforcement that  laws related to stalking weren’t strong enough.  With advancements in technology, stalkers are finding new ways to harass and intimidate victims.   Today, a stalker isn’t just the person following you a couple of paces behind and hiding in bushes or peeking in your window.

To give law enforcement clearer definitions of stalking behavior and protect victims from advanced technological crimes, I worked on an initiative this year with Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s office to strengthen our stalking statutes.  For the first time, we also added cyberstalking to the mix. That’s when a person uses technology like cell phones, GPS systems, websites, etc to harrass and intentionally make someone live in fear.  This week, Governor Quinn signed this legislation into law.

Up until now, cyberstalking didn’t have a clear definition and Illinois’ criminal code of 1961 didn’t speak to it at all.  Many victims who felt threatened or suffered from emotional distress because of constant emails, texts or instant messages were unsure if the acts of their stalker fell under protection laws.

The new law expands the definition of stalking and cyberstalking to include current and future technologies that stalkers may use to track and harass their victims. Stalkers currently can use a range of devices – such as computers, global positioning systems, or hidden cameras – to track victims. By taking into consideration the way stalkers use new technology, the legislation will enhance law enforcement’s ability to protect victims.

Studies show that a significant number of victims have no prior relationship to the person harassing them.  Yet under previous law, “stalking no-contact orders” were only granted to victims who had a prior relationship with their stalker.  Many of these cases ended with the victim dying at the hands of their stalker because they had no police protection.  The new law will allow victims to have access to “stalking no-contact orders” whether or not they know their stalker, and even if there is no threat of bodily harm.  71 percent of women who are murdered, were stalked first.

I am disturbed every time I see a story in the news about stalkers using text messaging, emails, instant messaging as a means to harass their victim. Many of the types of communication stalkers rely on to attack their victims are the same ones you and I use daily.  Technology is constantly advancing and it is imperative that we make our  20th century laws address the  21st century crimes we face.

While stalking can affect any person of any age, race, gender or background, I sponsored this legislation to make communities safer for my children and yours.  Today, stalkers can affect their victim’s personal and professional life from only the click of a button. That’s just a little too easy if you ask me.