KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- People on trial for domestic abuse may soon be forced to wear a GPS tracking device. The device would send location and movement information back to the victims, letting them know if they were in danger.

Amy Dillworth of the Knoxville Family Justice Center explained, "In really dangerous situations, this could be a wonderful way for victims to monitor their own safety."

"They would then know, 'OK my abuser is close-by, my abuser is getting near, I can call 911, I can get help now'," she added.

Russ Jensen of the Coalition on Family Violence pointed out, "We think this is going to save a lot of lives in the state of Tennessee. And quite frankly, if it only saves one; it's worth it."

Local domestic abuse advocates have been pushing new for laws to prevent violent situations and impose stricter penalties when they occur. One of those laws makes strangulation a felony instead of a misdemeanor.

Each county will have to decide which agency will enforce the GPS law. Regardless, defendants will have to pay for it if they're ordered to wear it.