Psychological effects of Electronic monitoring in domestic violence cases
March 22, 2021
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attenti Electronic Monitoring is a global provider of location verification services, designed for monitoring individuals in the law enforcement, immigration, corrections and healthcare sectors.

Electronic monitoring (EM) programs have been proven to be effective in protecting victims of intimate partner violence. Especially during the early separation stages when victims are most vulnerable, and attackers are considered most dangerous. In the past few years, research in the field shows that they also create better outcomes than other, more traditional tools, such as restraining orders.

The discussion around this topic usually focuses on practical or physical results that include restraining order violation rates or the number of physical attacks or even fatalities. It’s vital to understand that the impact of domestic violence is much farther reaching than physical harm, so the influence of EM programs should be evaluated in a broader manner. In this article, we wish to examine the emotional and mental implications of EM programs on victims of domestic violence, as well as on the perpetrators themselves.

Understanding the psychological effects of intimate partner violence

Domestic violence has a wide range of negative effects on victims. Research shows that between 51-75% of victims are diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Known psychological effects include feelings of shame and unworthiness, depression and anxiety, nightmares, a lack of trust, difficulties in forming healthy relationships of all kinds, financial and employment problems, and more. An additional layer of anxiety follows repeated restraining order violations and lack of enforcement.

Victims struggle with daily functions and often find themselves without a support system after being cut off from their friends and family by the perpetrator.

In the words of an interviewed domestic violence victim: “I always felt like he was just gonna come out of nowhere and cut my throat or shoot me…I went down to 96 pounds from my pancreas and my ulcers. I couldn’t eat from nerves worrying if he was going to break into my home, where he’s going to show up.”

In several countries, the justice system found that restraining orders were an important tool, yet that they fell short when it came to enforcement, and the ability to protect victims when faced with determined aggressors. A new approach that put the victim at the center emerged, and countries such as Spain, Argentina, Georgia, Portugal, and more adopted EM as a tool for victim protection and to impose restraining orders.

EM from the victim’s perspective

Upon going under EM protection programs, victims report improvement in the following areas:

Feelings of empowerment: The first few months after escaping an abusive relationship are considered the hardest. Victims feel helpless and in danger and often feel that law enforcement authorities cannot or do not want to protect them.

One survey found that 75% of US criminal justice experts who incorporated EM as part of their support program reported an encouraging sense of empowerment in victims.

Victim-centric EM significantly reduces uncertainty, offering victims control and relief from anxiety. This allows victims to find and keep a job, not something to be taken for granted. One Spanish research interviewed a domestic abuse victim who prior to the installation of EM only wanted to “sell tickets at the counter” simply because she was looking to remain behind a safety glass. This demonstrates the limits that victims impose on themselves when they feel unsafe. With electronic monitoring, victims can move forward with their lives and dream freely.

The effectiveness of EM programs for domestic violence crimes is evident in accounts from victims whose attackers had come off the program and had their unit removed. One of these women stated that “It’s horrible. I’m back to being 100% paranoid every time I walk out of the house.” Without EM’s support, victims cannot perform daily tasks and are afraid to leave their homes.

Improved trust: The program allows victims to build new relationships without having to look over their shoulders every minute of the day. They are less worried about their security and the safety of anyone they are in contact with.

Financial security: Separation from an abusive partner is often accompanied by financial difficulties due to both financial control during the relationship and as a result of the separation.

With a victim-protection EM program, victims feel secure enough to find a job in any field they’re interested in and are able to keep it. They don’t have to quit their job out of fear of being tracked by their aggressor and can concentrate at work and perform well. This contributes to the general sense of empowerment we discussed earlier, as financial independence is a significant stepping-stone on the path to recovery.

The impact of EM programs on offenders

Offenders show varying responses in favor and against EM programs. On the one hand, almost 90% feel that the program has a positive impact and that GPS monitoring deters them from visiting any problematic locations, which may also include bars and drug-related areas. Results show a significant drop in violations for participants of GPS programs. Offenders report a more structured daily routine and a greater sense of accountability. Other positive influences may include feeling protected from false accusations since their every move is monitored and documented. On the other hand, and unsurprisingly, offenders feel that the EM program limits their freedom and consider it a source of stress. Many feel that the program doesn’t really prevent them from harming victims if they really set their minds to it.

We can see a direct connection between the sentiment offenders show and the responsible agency’s approach. Offenders’ perspective depends on the information and support they receive from program managers. They might feel a lack of trust towards technology, an intrusive force supervising their every step, and more. When the program includes not only the EM device but also coaching, offenders felt that the advice they received from the officer in charge was valuable and useful. It’s also important to remember that offenders themselves may feel haunted by their own aggression. Being away from the victim for a meaningful period allows them to focus on other areas of their life, rebuild relationships, work, and move on with their life without the victim’s presence.

Victim-centric correction and the justice system

Another relationship that is affected by bilateral EM is that between the victim and the authorities: the justice system and law enforcement agencies.

Restored trust in the judicial system: Domestic violence victims often feel like they have no one to turn to for help, including law enforcement authorities. EM programs include alarm mechanisms, clear processes and record-keeping, creating an effective protective envelope that improves the victim’s trust in the judicial system and its ability to help.

In one case we encountered, a victim whose abuser was no longer in the program felt a sense of danger. She called her support line, whose personnel, knowing the case, provided help even though the aggressor was no longer on the program. In fact, he was “safe” behind bars. We can see that the connection between victims and the EM centers goes beyond the specific program they’re in.

A better process: In criminal offenses, the Justice System is the prosecutor. Victims are not an official party and their status is unclear. Victims often become invisible to the system and don’t have a real say in the decision-making process. EM programs give victims the presence they need, and the ability to be heard and taken into consideration. This is important because domestic violence cases are frequently dismissed, an unfortunate statistic that EM programs can help change by offering concrete evidence.

We mentioned the impact of providing clear guidance and information regarding the program, but it’s also crucial that the process is clear to everyone and that educational resources are available. Keeping the alarm synchronized with the order distance and offering help when an error happens is also important. Offenders, victims, and authorities should all know how to handle these situations.

The importance of EM in domestic violence cases

At the basic level, EM programs protect domestic violence survivors and can even save their lives. It is becoming more and more evident that EM also helps with the recovery of survivors from the invisible wounds that take longer to heal. In fact, Electronic monitoring leads to better outcomes for all parties involved in a domestic violence case. The influence touches every aspect of their life, including financial, relationships, emotional, and more.

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