Coalition pushes N.J. for changes to better protect domestic violence victims

A group of New Jersey lawmakers and advocates is urging the Legislature to update the state’s domestic violence laws to keep pace with technology.

One bill they’re supporting would require cell phone providers to inform customers how to deactivate GPS location services so abusers could not track victims.

Another measure, sponsored by Sen. Barbara Buono, would allow judges to order the use of electronic monitoring to track people convicted of domestic violence.

“Technology can be a powerful tool if it’s put in the hands of responsible law-abiding people, but it can also be a deadly weapon in the hands of those looking to harm, harass, or victimize those who trust them the most,” said Buono, D-Middlesex.

Buono says one in four women will become the victim of domestic violence sometime during their lifetime, and they deserve help to stay out of harm’s way.