ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer says domestic violence is rising fast and new, tougher federal laws are needed to help police battle the crime.
The Democrat also says the crime of Internet stalking also requires new laws as an aid to police.
Schumer is calling on Congress to pass several laws this week in Washington.
As a demonstration of the need, Schumer says 80,000 domestic violence cases were reported in upstate New York alone over the past 10 years.
Schumer says there is also a particular need to focus on stopping sexual violence in rural communities.
On Wednesday he told reporters there is an epidemic of violence in the nation.
