What Federal Laws Exist To Protect Stalking Victims?
42 U.S.C. Section 3796 and 42 U.S.C. Section 14031 authorize grants for law enforcement agencies to develop programs to reduce stalking and for states to develop local, state, and national databases regarding stalking. 42 U.S.C. Section 14036 requires judges to ensure they review the stalker’s criminal history prior to issuance of a civil court orders in stalking cases. The new Drivers’ Privacy Protection Act , 18 U.S.C. Chapter 123, Sections 2721 – 2725, effective September 13, 1997, prevents state motor vehicle departments from releasing personal information about any individual unless that department has permitted the individual an opportunity to opt out of disclosure. Finally, 42 U.S.C. Section 14038 requires the United States Attorney General to compile information about stalking as part of the National Incident-Based Reporting System. Legislation to prohibit stalking via electronic mail has been introduced in Congress.
