GPS Tracking Gives Domestic Violence Victims Greater Freedom

For victims of domestic violence, knowing the exact whereabouts of the abuser can make the difference between living in constant fear and being able to function normally. That’s why lawmakers in Connecticut have recently implemented a new program of GPS tracking for domestic violence offenders. So far, the program has been introduced in just three cities, but many victims’ advocates hope that it will soon be expanded to other parts of the state as well.

How GPS Tracking Can Help Protect Victims

As part of the program, domestic violence offenders would be required to wear a GPS tracking bracelet or ankle device. Victims carry a corresponding unit that alerts them via phone if the offender comes within a specified distance. Victims’ advocates say the devices could make the difference between life and death in high-risk situations.

Domestic violence isn’t just limited to physical or sexual abuse. There are five recognized categories of domestic violence:

Physical Abuse	Inflicting physical harm; withholding life necessities such as food, water, medical care, or sleep; forced alcohol or drug use
Sexual Abuse	Coercing a person into sexual activity without consent
Psychological Abuse	Using fear or threatening to control behavior; isolating victim from friends, family, work, or other social contact
Emotional Abuse	Verbally assaulting the victim’s sense of worth; using name-calling, insults, manipulation, or belittling to control the victim
Economic Abuse	Denying access to financial resources; creating or attempting to create total financial dependence

While each of these situations can be cause for legal intervention, not all of them warrant the use of a GPS tracking alert device. There are many other procedures and resources available to protect victims from their abusers, and victims’ advocates recommend the devices primarily for situations in which the victim feels threatened or at high risk of harm. However, greater access to monitoring and alert device programs could make a real difference for victims who fear retaliation or violence from their abusers.

Historical Use of GPS Tracking in Domestic Violence Cases

GPS tracking for domestic violence situations isn’t new. It has been used by police departments across the country to help them keep track of program violations for convicted domestic violence offenders and sex offenders. However, because the equipment can be expensive, the programs haven’t been adopted universally. Even in states and regions that do have legislation that allows tracking programs, limited funds often mean that police and judges aren’t sufficiently trained in its implementation and use. Some cities don’t have the money to purchase the equipment even though state laws allow it.

Most cities that have implemented GPS tracking for domestic violence offenders consider the need for the technology on a case-by-case basis. It’s considered to be an effective solution for high-risk situations and repeat offenders; however, it’s not needed for every situation. And because the systems can cost $22 per day, implementation has to be carefully considered.

Pros and Cons of GPS Tracking for Domestic Violence

The benefits of implementing a GPS monitoring system for domestic violence cases extend to both victims and lawmakers. They include:

• Advanced warning of offender’s proximity to the victim


• Greater peace of mind for victims


• Better police response time by sending an alert before the offender can act


• Concrete method of monitoring offender movements and activity


• Better detection of program violations


• Greater safety for high-risk victims

Despite the benefits of using GPS tracking in potentially dangerous situations, there are some who still oppose the use of the technology to track offenders. Opponents argue that the devices intrude on the privacy of someone who may not have been convicted in a trial or who may have already served his sentence. The technology has been compared to “Big Brother,” another way for the state to intrude into the lives of private citizens. Critics also argue that if an offender is bent on committing a crime, the electronic monitoring device will not stop him.

Victims’ advocates respond by saying that the lives saved and injuries prevented carry more weight than a minimal intrusion of privacy. The monitoring device serves to warn victims, giving them time to find safety and get help. They also serve as a deterrent for offenders by reminding them that program violations will be discovered.

Victims that have been the recipients of a GPS monitoring device sing its praises. They speak openly about the lives of fear they led and how the alert system has allowed them to gain a measure of peace and normalcy they couldn’t achieve before.

State lawmakers in Connecticut hope to expand the GPS tracking program early next year, giving victims greater control over their daily lives. If the monitoring devices can allow innocent victims to take back their lives, they will be well worth the cost of implementation.

GPS Tracking Gives Domestic Violence Victims Greater Freedom