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Government — Virginia Government — cyberstalking — domestic violence

Virginia's new cyberstalking law: What changes July 1

,   and  WTVR CBS 6
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Virginia's updated stalking law will cover cyberstalking through messaging apps and email, but domestic violence advocates warn a drop in federal funding is limiting their ability to help victims. (Courtesy WTVR)

Starting July 1, Virginia law enforcement will have a new legal tool to pursue cyberstalking cases — but domestic violence advocates and the lawmakers behind the change say much more is needed to support victims.

Under the new legislation, Virginia's stalking law will be updated to include definitions covering cyberstalking, such as harassment through messaging apps or email. A first conviction is a Class 1 misdemeanor. A second conviction within five years is a Class 6 felony.

Advocates say the final product is weaker than it was when first introduced, but call it a needed step forward.

"With technological developments accelerating at a rapid pace, this is only going to be a bigger and bigger problem over time," Courtenay Schwartz, Policy Director of the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance (VSDVAA), said.

Schwartz says cyberstalking is rarely a standalone issue, but part of what advocates see in broader domestic violence cases.

"In the course of our work, what we see is it's one tool of control that abusers are very commonly employing against victims," Schwartz said.

Click here to continue reading on WTVR.com, a Henrico Citizen partner organization.

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