Connie Morella: “I rise in support of the Kennedy amendment. Like Mr. Kennedy and our other colleagues, I, too, am greatly concerned…”

“I rise in support of the Kennedy amendment. Like Mr. Kennedy and our other colleagues, I, too, am greatly concerned about stalking and its effects on women's physical safety and peace of mind. Stalking is a despicable crime--a crime from which no one is completely safe. We have heard of obsessed fans who stalk celebrities, trying to become a part of their lives. In 1989, one such deranged fan murdered the actress he was stalking, bringing instant national attention to the danger of stalking. Despite the attention this case generated, the most usual stalking case does not involve a celebrity. Many of you have read Washington Post reporter George Lardner's articles about his daughter, Kristin. Kristin was a bright, talented young woman who was stalked and later murdered by an obsessive former boyfriend. Kristin Lardner was typical of the most usual stalking victim, a woman who is stalked by a former husband or boyfriend who is unable to let go after the relationship has ended. For too long, women who knew they were in danger have gone to the authorities to seek protection. For too long, authorities have been unable to arrest and charge the stalker, frequently because isolated acts of stalking were not considered crimes. The police could do nothing until the woman had actually been assaulted. Imagine having to wait for someone to beat or rape you before the police are able to offer you protection from a stalker.”