Beck Bill Broadens Victims’ Rights

June 5, 2008

Contact: John Gorman / 609-292-5199
Senator Jennifer Beck (R-12)

Stiffens Penalties for Those Convicted of Stalking

Legislation sponsored by Senator Jennifer Beck (R-12) amending the stalking law to broaden protections for victims was unanimously passed by the Senate Judiciary Committee today.

“Stringent laws are needed to protect victims of stalking and to hold stalkers accountable, ” Beck stated. “Anyone who has been a victim can attest to the fear, loneliness and trepidation that results from this intolerable behavior.”

Under Senate Bill 1106 a person would be guilty of the crime of stalking if his actions cause the victim to fear for his or her safety or the safety of a third person. Current law provides that a person is guilty of stalking only if his or her actions cause the victim to fear bodily injury to or the death of himself or a member of his immediate family.

“Previously, a victim had to fear bodily harm or death for it to be considered stalking, ” Beck continued. “This legislation would lower that standard to include fear of safety or other emotional distress.”

The bill also upgrades the crime of stalking to a crime of the third degree. Under current law, stalking is generally a crime of the fourth degree for a first offense.

“Stalking creates a psychological prison that deprives its victims of basic liberty of movement and security in their homes, ” Beck concluded. “We need to make sure that anyone who participates in this egregious behavior is held accountable for his or her actions.”

The bill’s provisions were recommended by the 2007 report of the National Center for Victims of Crime, “The Model Stalking Code Revisited: Responding to the New Realities of Stalking,” and now goes before the full Senate for consideration.

Link to Post:

http://www.senatenj.com/index.php/beck/beck-bill-broadens-victims-rights/531