Domestic violence survivors are calling for tougher penalties for tampering with GPS tracking devices

“The law let me down because my abuser turned on a GPS when he should have gone to jail,” said Jo, a domestic violence survivor.

Joe and other survivors were at the state house Tuesday trying to criminalize tampering with or damaging a GPS tracking device in Massachusetts.

Jo doesn’t reveal her identity because she says her perpetrator didn’t get jail time for it, even though he damaged his GPS tracking device.

“I’ve lived in fear. I had to set off an alarm, I had to change the locks, I was scared because I thought the system would empower my abuser instead of holding him accountable, and that made me live in fear,” Jo told Boston’s 25 News.

The State Joint Judiciary Committee is considering testimonies by Jo and other domestic violence survivors about the valorization of the crime of cutting up a GPS tracking device.

Last year Stephen Corbin turned off his GPS device during his rape trial. He was eventually located in the state of Maine, armed with a loaded gun.

Corbin received 40 to 50 years in prison for his two rape convictions, but was not fined for disrupting his GPS.

State Senator Patrick O’Connor says cases like Corbin’s are becoming more common.

“I don’t think criminals are taking our laws seriously right now,” Senator O’Connor said. “The fact is, our laws on GPS manipulation aren’t working and we need to do something about it.”

The proposed legislation would make tampering with a GPS tracking device a criminal offense punishable by at least two years in prison.

Jo says GPS tracking legislation is necessary to better protect victims like herself.

“We ask that you protect us and stop giving the perpetrators all these chances to harm us and our families. Please give us a chance to be safe,” Jo said.

There is no telling when this committee will vote on this GPS legislation. It could take months.

The deadline for action does not end until spring 2024.

This is an evolving story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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