Just Legislative action
Legislative goals
Just Stalking has researched legislative policies and agendas throughout the country on local and national levels to model its agenda after legislation that has passed and that has already been proposed. The goals are to enhance policies Maryland to better serve victims, not to be punitive.
Take action
If you or someone you know has been stalked, please consider contacting us, or your local representative to voice your interest and concern regarding enhancements to our laws to better support and protect victims.
"THE TRUTH IS, GLITCHES EXIST IN THE LEGAL SYSTEM, INCREASING VICTIMS' RISK FOR VIOLENCE. SOMETIMES, INADVERTENTLY, LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES AND JUDICIAL SYSTEMS MAY REFUEL THE STALKER'S OBSESSION WITH THE VICTIM, THEREBY ESCALATING THE STALKING PROCESS."
Schell and Lanteigne, 2000, p. 154
Just A safer community
Protective Orders – Crimes of Violence and Stalking (SB743/HB745)
Protective Orders – Crimes of Violence and Stalking (SB743/HB745)
Protective Orders – Crimes of Violence and Stalking (SB743/HB745)
The purpose of SB743/HB745 is to enable those who do not have domestic or sexual entanglements with their stalkers equal protections under the law.
The Jaycee Webster Victims' Rights Act
Protective Orders – Crimes of Violence and Stalking (SB743/HB745)
Protective Orders – Crimes of Violence and Stalking (SB743/HB745)
The purpose of SB 684 is to ensure that crime victims are not left in the dark when a sentenced defendant is released from prison.
Requiring a certain commitment unit to include in a notification given to a victim, victim's representative, or witness regarding the release from confinement of a sentenced defendant or child respondent the name and telephone number of the lead victim services employee of the State's Attorney's office of the county in which the sentenced defendant or child respondent was prosecuted.
Enhancements for stalking minors and vulnerable populations
Protective Orders – Crimes of Violence and Stalking (SB743/HB745)
Stalking of a minor child can be extremely damaging psychosocially. They are also put at risk for physical harm. At least nine states allow for enhancements for stalking of minor children. In addition, it should be considered that stalking of other vulnerable populations such as those with disabilities and elders, could also be considered more dangerous and should therefore be considered for an enhancement.
Accessory to stalking
Aiding and abetting a stalker, often in the literature known as "proxy stalking," is the assistance of a third party in the primary stalker's pursuit of their victim/target. While some may be unaware of the stalker's motive(s), many are well-informed of the stalker's agenda and are willing participants.
Peace and Protective Orders
Victims Economic Security and Safety Act
Many stalking victims in the state of Maryland may only be eligible for a Peace Order, which is only initially valid for six months. This may be extended for an additional six months, but must be renewed following this period after another incident. However, victims are not eligible for protective orders unless they have met the criteria of being a family member, sharing a residence, or being a sexual assault victim. Stalking lasts an average of two years, but can recur as many as 15 years later, thus we advocate that victims should be eligible for permanent orders.
Victims Economic Security and Safety Act
Victims Economic Security and Safety Act
Victim’s Economic Security and Safety Act (VESSA), is federal legislation that has been proposed to protect employees by allowing them the needed time to recover from IPV and stalking. Victims often require physical and mental health, legal, or relocation services following such incidents, and as many as 21-60% of victims lose their jobs following abuses (Rothman, et al. 2007). However, only eight states provide legal protections for such victims and employers are not required to provide protections. Victims may not have enough vacation or sick leave to 'accommodate' a stalking 'incident' (Rothman, et al., 2007).
National Registry
Aggravated stalking
Aggravated stalking
After a few of the most recent celebrities were killed by their stalkers, there were calls to action regarding the creation of a national registry for stalkers. However, there is often less discussion around the recidivism rates, as opposed to their lethality. According to a study published by Coupland, et. al. (2023), the "[...] estimated stalking recidivism was 32% at 5 years after discharge from the clinic, 39% at 10 years after discharge, and 74% at 20 years after discharge. These findings are consistent with the nascent literature on stalking recidivism[...]"
Aggravated stalking
Aggravated stalking
Aggravated stalking
Some states have differentiated between stalking and aggravated stalking; thus elevating the charge from a misdemeanor to a felony. As such, if there is a "credible threat," use of a weapon, or stalking of a minor, the stalking charge can be enhanced to "aggravated stalking."
If I were SUCCESSFULLY murdered by [my stalker] when he comes out, I wonder if the same people who say there's nothing they can do will just shrug their shoulders and say, 'gee that's really a shame. We knew all along this would happen.
Gross, 2012, p. 193-194
