CELLULAR PHONES AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Many people nowadays view cellular phones as a safety precaution, however with some of today’s new technologies, victims of domestic violence may need to think twice before carrying a cellular phone. The big problem with cellular phones: tracking. Cellular phones have tracking technologies, which allow phone companies to be able to pinpoint the location of their customer within a 100-foot radius. Sometimes, this technology can be very helpful – authorities can use it to find a victim of kidnapping and parents can keep tabs on their children. The problem with this technology, uncovered by the New York Times Article, Stalkers Exploit Cellphone GPS by Justin Scheck, is that abusers can keep tabs on their victims as well. Abusers can follow their victim’s movements through the victim’s GPS function in their own cellular phone. This loss of privacy for the victim can cause serious complications when a victim is attempting to leave an abusive relationship. The abuser can find the victim at their shelter or at their family or friends’ home. According to the NYT article, the only way to stop the tracking is by turning off the cellular phone.

If you are a victim of domestic violence, or if you know someone who is, check out the following resources:

Women in Distress of Broward County is a nationally accredited, state-certified, full service domestic violence center serving Broward County. Visit their Website at www.womenindistress.com or call their 24-hour crisis line for more information 954-761-1133.

Kids In Distress is a community-supported agency providing services for the prevention and treatment of child abuse in South Florida. Visit their Website at www.kidsindistress.org or call them for more information 954-390-7654.

Domestic violence includes: assault, aggravated assault, battery, aggravated battery, sexual assault, sexual battery, stalking, aggravated stalking, kidnapping, false imprisonment, or any other criminal offense resulting in physical injury or death. If you or someone you know is a victim of any act of domestic violence or if you or someone you know have reasonable cause to believe that you are in imminent danger of becoming a victim of domestic violence, you can ask the court for a protective order prohibiting domestic violence. Once you have a safe place to stay, consult an attorney for assistance in filing for a protective order prohibiting domestic violence.