Law Helps Stalking Victims With With Moving And Home Security Expenses

PROVIDENCE, RI — A new Rhode Island law provides financial assistance to stalking victims.

“Victims of stalking often incur significant relocation and home security expenses to allow them to live safely, and too often they deal with these financial and logistical burdens without assistance,” state Sen. Matthew L. LaMountain, (D-Warwick and Cranston, said in a media release.

“This is an ideal use for the Crime Victim’s Compensation Program, which has assisted innocent Rhode Islanders with the financial aftermath of violent crime for decades and will now be able to help provide physical safety and a resulting measure of psychological relief for stalking victims," LaMountain said.

"The Crime Victim Compensation Program provides reimbursement to Rhode Islanders for expenses related to violent crime, including medical, dental and counseling expenses; relocation expenses; and funeral costs, among others," the release said.

Victims of stalking did not qualify for the program, according to the release, but the new law made them eligible, "specifically for emergency compensation for relocation or reasonable home security modifications to their home."

“Every year, hundreds of crime victims in Rhode Island are supported by the Crime Victim Compensation Program, but until now, victims of stalking were not among them," state Rep. Jenni A. Furtado, D-East Providence and Pawtucket, said in the release.

"Providing resources for stalking intervention — such as relocation, new locks and increased home security — saves lives. With this bill, we are helping to ensure that financial means do not dictate a victim’s ability to feel secure from their stalker in their own home,” Furtado said.

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