Republican State Rep. Kristin Marcell has introduced part of a legislative package aimed at bolstering protections for stalking victims across Pennsylvania.
Marcell’s key proposal would empower judges to restrict social media access for individuals under Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders, a measure not explicitly clarified in current laws.
The change seeks to prevent stalkers from continuing their harassment online, according to her office.
“This legislation will provide critical protections for stalking victims by ensuring that those who seek to harm or intimidate through social media will no longer have that avenue available to them,” said Marcell. “By allowing judges to prohibit social media access in Protection from Abuse proceedings, we are giving victims a powerful tool to protect their safety and well-being, and sending a clear message that online stalking will not be tolerated.”
Joining her are fellow Republican representatives introducing complementary measures addressing various aspects of stalking and domestic violence.
State Rep. Shelby Labs, of Central Bucks County, is advocating for an expansion in the criminal scope under the state’s stalking statute. Her proposals include defining stalking as placing someone in fear of injury, either knowingly or recklessly, and mandating that convicted domestic violence offenders report any changes in employment, residence, or vehicle ownership.
Rep. K.C. Tomlinson, of Bensalem Township, has proposed legislation that would impose a mandatory minimum sentence of five years for repeat stalking offenders.
State Rep. Abby Major, of Armstrong and Westmoreland counties, is working to reclassify stalking as a felony when it involves a minor and the perpetrator is significantly older.
From Allegheny and Washington counties, State Rep. Natalie Mihalek is pushing to expand the legal protections provided by Pennsylvania’s Protection of Victims of Sexual Violence and Intimidation Act to include all victims of stalking and harassment.
Additionally, Marcell and Labs are co-sponsoring a resolution to designate January 2025 as “Stalking Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania.
Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that roughly one in three women and one in six men in the U.S. experience stalking during their lifetimes.
Marcell’s 178th Legislative District serves part of Northampton Township and all of Upper Southampton, Warwick, and Wrightstown townships.
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