May 28, 2015 - GamePolitics Staff

Rep. Katherine Clark (D-MA) once again called on the Department of Justice to investigate cyber crimes (online threats, swatting, etc.) aimed at women, and to announce that the House of Representatives has formally supported her request to "intensify investigation and prosecution of severe online threats against women."

The message from lawmakers is coming from "appropriations instructions" that accompany the House’s Department of Justice funding bill. It calls on the DOJ to "intensify its efforts to combat this destructive abuse," and to "increase investigations and prosecutions of these crimes."

"Too many women have had their lives upended by the severe threats and harassment they have received online, and they often feel they have nowhere to turn for help," Rep. Clark said in a statement accompanying her announcement on May 27. "These threats cause fear for personal safety, create a chilling effect on free speech, and have a negative economic impact for women conducting business online. That is why we’re asking the Department of Justice to enforce laws that are already on the books, and make these cases a priority."

Clark is most famous in gaming circles for meeting with game developer Brianna Wu (and others who didn't get quite as much attention), who is also one of the many constituents she represents in her district. Following meetings with targets of online threats, Clark petitioned the House to compel the DOJ to enforce laws concerning these kinds of illegal activities a "greater priority."