New Illinois law helps strengthen stalking, no contact order - khqa.com
ILLINOIS (KHQA) — One of Illinois' new laws in 2022 is meant to close a loophole where predators have been able to reach victims online.
The basis behind the law is to strengthen the Stalking/No Contact Order Act by prohibiting people from contacting someone else over email, texts, and social media.
Amanda B. and Mariah H., whose last names have been withheld because of safety concerns, both work with the Western Illinois Regional Council (WIRC). They said this law is a step in the right direction as cyber-stalking cases continue to increase across the state.
According to a study done by Kantar, a data analytics company, social media engagement and web browsing have increased by 61% and 70% respectively during the pandemic.
This increase in social traffic has created a larger pool for people to to become victims of cyber-stalking.
Amanda, who is a Legal Stalking and Domestic Violence Advocate for WIRC, said since the pandemic has started, cyber-stalking cases have increased by nearly 70%.
"There's more leisure time spent online. There's a lot of increased stress, and there is decreased digital supervision," Amanda said.
She said cyber-stalking is not only impacting younger children and teenagers, but also older adults.
There are ways you can protect yourself and loved ones from possibly being cyber-stalked.
"We are going to want to carefully supervise what websites and what electronic communication are children are using, and that is just as important for an adult user to monitor what site they are using as well," said Mariah H., a Sexual Assault Prevention Educator. "Exercise care and good judgement when using electronic communication and to remember, what is posted online is going to remain online in some form or another."
Mariah said it's also a good idea to limit how much personal information you put on social media.
"Be aware of the photos you are posting, as well and when you are accepting friend requests," she said. "Make sure it is someone you've either met and is not a stranger you're accepting."
Mariah and Amanda both say if you feel like you are being cyber-stalked and may be in danger, the most important thing you can do is reach out to somebody who can help.
"A lot of our clients come to us, and they are upset and scared as anyone would be," Amanda said. "We help them get their power back and feel safer in their environment."
You can contact WIRC at (309) 837-3941 or call their crisis hotline at (309) 837-5555.
For more information about other crisis centers in Illinois, click this link
source: https://khqa.com/news/local/new-illinois-law-helps-strengthen-stalkingno-contact-order-act
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