S. 2196: Strengthening Protections for Domestic Violence and Stalking Survivors Act of 2025

This bill, titled the Strengthening Protections for Domestic Violence and Stalking Survivors Act of 2025, aims to enhance legal protections for survivors of domestic violence and stalking by amending certain definitions and provisions in the U.S. Code related to intimate partner violence and stalking. Below are the main points of the bill:

Definition Changes

• Inclusion of Dating Partners: The bill expands the definition of intimate partner to include individuals who are or have been in a dating relationship. This will allow for cases involving current or former dating partners to be treated similarly to those involving spouses when it comes to domestic violence laws.
• Definition of Dating Relationship: It defines a dating relationship as a serious romantic or intimate relationship that has a degree of continuity and seriousness. This clarification helps distinguish between casual relationships and those that warrant legal consideration in cases of domestic violence.

Children's Inclusion

The bill states that if a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence involves the parent or guardian of a child, or an individual related similarly to a parent or guardian, then incidents involving those children can also be considered in legal proceedings.

New Stalking Provisions

• Misdemeanor Crime of Stalking: The bill introduces new legal definitions and provisions regarding stalking. It specifies that a misdemeanor crime of stalking involves actions that create a reasonable fear of harm for the victim or their immediate family and establishes emotional distress as a relevant factor.
• Legal Representation Requirements: To ensure fair legal processes, it stipulates that individuals cannot be considered convicted of stalking unless they had legal representation or waived their right to counsel in an informed manner.
• Impact on Firearm Restrictions: The bill adds new stipulations regarding firearms possession for individuals convicted of stalking, indicating that such a conviction could affect their ability to own or possess firearms.

Enforcement and Implementation

The proposed changes aim to improve the enforcement of laws pertaining to domestic violence and stalking, ensuring that victims receive appropriate legal protections and that perpetrators are held accountable to a broader scope of actions that can cause harm.

Relevant Companies

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