Abusers To Wear GPS Monitor After New Law

A new law going into effect Monday will require convicted domestic violence abusers in Tennessee to wear GPS monitors.

Offenders are required wear it until a court deems they are no longer a threat to the victim or public safety. Genesis House Data Collections Specialist Linsey Anderson said will give victims more peace of mind.

“A lot of victims tend to live in like a constant state of fear,” Anderson said. “Especially when their abuser is around or knowing they’ve been released from jail, so I think this bill will give survivors a better sense of safety.”

The state will provide funding for the monitors. Monitors will be in the form of ankle monitors or an app on a cellular device. Anderson said the law should limit re-offenders as in the past domestic violence abusers often re-offend.

“It’s definitely not uncommon that we have seen where offenders will re-offend on the same victim or on other victims,” Anderson said.

Anderson said the law is a start into stopping domestic violence.

“I think this has the ability to prevent more harm or even death to victims, to offenders who may have a history with violence and could possibly re-offend,” Anderson said. “And I think its a step in the right direction that can give more power back to the victims and put more focus on their needs.”

The law is called the Debbie and Marie Domestic Violence Protection Act. The act is named after Deborah Sisco and Marie Varsos, a mother and daughter from Lebanon, who were murdered by an abuser in 2021.