Technology has become an easy way for abusive partners to monitor and harass. Stalking is a domestic violence crime: Over 60% of stalking incidents are perpetuated by current or former intimate partners. Cyberstalking is rapidly increasing: 1 in 4 stalking victims report some form of cyberstalking such as e-mail or instant messaging.

Last year, 13 people lost their lives to domestic violence, the highest ever recorded. If we are serious about ending domestic violence homicides in Rhode Island, then we have to be serious about stopping domestic violence. As newer technologies develop and their use increases, we must ensure that our domestic violence laws keep up with this increase and can best protect victims of domestic violence and hold abusers accountable.