Cyber Harassment May Be Considered Domestic Violence in Rhode Island

If a new piece of legislation is passed in the Rhode Island State Senate, using the internet as a tool for harassment could be considered domestic violence.

The bill, which has already been approved in the House, would list cyberharassment and cyberstalking as offenses considered to be domestic violence. Although harassing people online is already considered a crime, bumping it up to domestic violence would allow the state to stop offenders from making any further contact with their victims. In addition, those found guilty of cyberstalking would be given harsher penalties and victims would be given access to advocacy services.

According to Rep. Elaine Coderre, the sponsor of this bill, she wants the legal system to be given more power to punish those who go online to prey on their victims.

Have you recently become a victim of domestic violence? If so, contact us to discuss your legal options with a Jacksonville family lawyer.