Program Monitoring High-Risk Domestic Violence Offenders Launched

EAST HARTFORD — On April 3, Governor M. Jodi Rell announced that the Connecticut Judicial Branch has been awarded $140,000 in federal stimulus funds to start a GPS domestic violence offender pilot project that will be piloted in Bridgeport, Danielson, and Hartford.

The Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV) recognizes and appreciates the continued commitment of the governor on domestic violence issues.

In Connecticut, there have been six identified and numerous attempted domestic violence fatalities since so far in 2010, which might have been prevented had an effective GPS system been in place. While the CCADV recognizes that this pilot is a positive step in the right direction, the organization’s leadership says it is crucial the public understands that domestic violence cases are multifaceted and GPS is not the magic solution to ending this pervasive social ill.

“This measure, if well-planned and executed with safety in mind, will be effective in preventing the death of certain victims. This is another example of how federal stimulus funding has been vital to supporting the cost of protecting victims and addressing abusive behavior,” said CCADV Executive Director Erika Tindill.

CCADV will continue its collaboration with the Court Support Services Division (CSSD) of the Judicial Branch to ensure best practices of safety and protection are considered while moving forward on this issue.

The CCADV also thanked Speaker of the House Christopher Donovan, along with State Representatives Chris Lyddy and DebraLee Hovey, along with other members of the bipartisan Legislative Domestic Violence Task Force, for their tireless dedication and leadership on this issue.

Ms Tindill said the work of ending violence against women and family violence in Connecticut can only be accomplished by collaboration between government, agencies, and communities.