OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Bill Coleman, R-Ponca City, on Wednesday hosted an interim study in the Senate Public Safety Committee to explore what the state can do to prevent domestic violence and protect victims of abuse.
Coleman focused his study on how GPS technology could be used to prevent domestic violence offenders from going near their victims. While courts in Oklahoma can already order GPS tracking in protective order cases, it’s rarely used, and there’s no consistent framework to use GPS devices in this manner.
Coleman said the study revealed that many victims are unaware they can ask the court to mandate a GPS tracker for their abuser. Even when that option is requested, there can be confusion about next steps and which entity is responsible for monitoring the individual in question, he said.
“When I was a freshman senator, I was shocked to learn that domestic strangulation was only a misdemeanor under state law,” Coleman said. “The Legislature has since made it a felony, which was an important step forward. But Oklahoma still has more work to do to stop domestic violence. GPS tracking will give victims the peace of mind that comes with knowing their abuser is being monitored. And if that person gets too close, law enforcement can respond immediately.”
The senator also said he plans to work on legislation that would bring penalties for domestic violence in line with those for sexual assault.
Jacobi Whatley, an assistant district attorney who serves as the domestic violence and sexual assault resource prosecutor for the District Attorneys Council, spoke at the interim study. A domestic violence survivor also shared her powerful story of getting away from her abuser.
“She showed incredible courage standing before the committee and recounting the abuse she overcame,” Coleman said. “Her testimony and Jacobi’s extensive legal expertise on this subject made it clear that state law hasn’t kept up with the real challenges victims face every day. I look forward to working with my legislative colleagues to help break the cycle of abuse.”
Coleman’s Protection from Domestic Abuse Act is eligible to be heard when the Legislature convenes in February. To watch the full study, visit oksenate.gov.
For more information, contact: Sen. Bill Coleman at (405) 521-55 or email [email protected]
