Abuse Using Technology

Tracking abusers with GPS technology can have risks if the victim relies solely upon GPS tracking to stay safe. For example, passive GPS monitoring cannot be relied upon as a way to protect or warn you or law enforcement of the abuser’s location to prevent possible further abuse. Active GPS monitoring is only effective if there are enough well-trained law enforcement officers to monitor and quickly respond when an abuser enters a prohibited location near you. In addition, the court must have proper procedures in place to hold offenders accountable for violating court orders. Also, if you do not have access to the required technology to alert you if the offender comes near you, or if you have the technology but it fails, active GPS monitoring may not provide enough warning to protect yourself. 

If the judge gives you the option to have GPS tracking, you may want to consult with a domestic violence advocate to make this decision and to safety plan.