ELECTRONIC SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING COMPLIANCE WITH A PROTECTIVE ORDER

An electronic monitoring system monitors an individual 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 violation, to establish probable cause of such violation. The monitoring system includes a transmitter tag worn by the individual guilty of the violation (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. A portable electronic monitoring system may be carried or worn by a victim, thereby warming such victim if the abuser comes near the victim, regardless of where the victim may be.