WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 (UPI) -- Victims' rights advocates say a new report proves the anti-stalking laws in the United States need to be strengthened.
The U.S. Department of Justice report said more than 3 million women in the United States have crossed paths with a stalker in 2005-2006 and knew their antagonist in nine out of every 19 cases.
"This report shows that we need to do much more to combat stalking," said Mary Lou Leary, executive director of the National Center for Victims of Crime in Washington.
The Chicago Tribune said Wednesday that the growth of e-mail and GPS tracking devices added a new dimension to the ability of stalkers to follow their victims.
Illinois advocates told the Tribune that stalking laws in the state was flawed because it required the alleged stalker to be a former lover or member of the victim's family before a protective court order can be issued. It also requires proof that the stalker is an actual threat.
"Our law is awkwardly written and probably antiquated," said Cara Smith, a deputy to Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan.
