Electronic system and method for monitoring abusers for compliance with

Abstract

An electronic monitoring system monitors an abuser for compliance with a protective order. When a violation is detected, the system automatically gathers evidence, independent of any that may be provided by the victim of the abuse, to establish probable cause of such violation. The monitoring system includes a transmitter tag worn by the abuser that transmits a unique identifying (ID) signal, either periodically or when triggered. A receiving/monitoring device (RMD), or equivalent, is carried by or positioned near the victim, e.g., in the victim's house and/or place of employment, for receiving the ID signal. A central monitoring computer is located at a central monitoring location that is in selective telecommunicative contact with the RMD. The computer maintains a response file that provides appropriate instructions to personnel or equipment at the central monitoring location or elsewhere in the event an abuser is detected by the victim's RMD, so that appropriate action can be taken in order to electronically gather evidence of the protective order violation, and to protect the victim. One embodiment of the invention also includes means for detecting and reporting any attempt to tamper with the transmitter tag, as sensed by either the RMD, the equivalent of an RMD installed at the abuser's house (to detect when the abuser is present thereat), or a wide area radio communications network that monitors a wide geographical area wherein the victim and abuser reside.