New technology may help Tennessee domestic violence victims |

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – A new technology may soon help victims of domestic violence in Tennessee.

Gov. Bill Lee signed a bill this week requiring domestic violence perpetrators to wear GPS monitoring devices.

This is supposed to give victims an extra level of safety and protection from law enforcement.

Offenders will be required to wear masks unless they are determined to no longer be a threat to victims or the public.

“This program is going to make a huge difference in helping these people actually survive and thrive,” said Malkiepta Odom, director of the YWMA of Greater Memphis.

Under the new law, anyone who commits domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking crimes must wear a GPS tracker until a court determines they no longer pose a threat to the alleged victim or the public.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. Paul Rhodes, R-Covington, would allow victims of domestic violence to use an app that would alert them if their abuser is nearby.

“The agency maintains a monitoring center that is staffed 24/7 and can immediately report any violations via text message or email to law enforcement officials and the appropriate emergency dispatch center,” said Sen. Paul Rhodes, a Republican from Covington.

Offenders who violate a protection order will also be required to wear one.

Violators must pay for their own devices.

Markiepta Odom is a victim of domestic violence.

As executive director of the YWMA of Greater Memphis, she said she uses her own experience to help hundreds of women affected by domestic violence.

“We hope that more victims will come forward and decide to press charges,” Odom said.

The law will come into effect on July 1st.