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Abstract

The Illinois Domestic Violence Act (IDVA) was created as a means of providing protection and remedies to domestic violence victims through orders of protection. The orders of protection can insulate victims from abusers through a variety of ways such as mandating that the abuser be prohibited from contacting the victim by any means. Under the IDVA, any violation of the order is a crime. As technology advances, abusers begin using more and more technology as a means to circumscribe orders of protection. One such technology, Caller ID spoofing, is particularly problematic. This technology enables abusers to easily contact, stalk and harass victims in violation of orders of protection, while concealing the abuser’s identity. Thus, when an abuser violates an order of protection with Caller ID spoofing, it is very difficult to prove. This allows caller ID spoofing to perpetu-ate the psychological and emotional abuse inherent in domestic violence relation-ships. The Illinois criminal justice system must recognize that caller ID spoofing is covered under the IDVA so it may begin addressing and prosecuting violations of orders of protection involving this technology. Ultimately, the best way to protect victims of domestic violence in Illinois and across the nation is by eliminating access to and banning all forms of caller ID spoofing technology.

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