By Lacy Hensley, Director, ICCR & NTC
The Conference on Crimes Against Women (CCAW) has long been a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change in the fight against gender-based violence. Each year, it brings together law enforcement professionals, advocates, and experts to share knowledge, strategies, and innovations. The ripple effect of this conference extends far beyond the event itself, influencing policies, practices, and lives across the nation. One particularly impactful example is the collaboration between Detective Kelly Downey from Bossier Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana, and Adam Dodge, founder of EndTAB.
A Chance Encounter with Far-Reaching Consequences
Detective Kelly Downey, a longtime attendee of CCAW, was on a mission in 2023, seeking solutions to complex issues she faced on a specific case at CCAW. Among the speakers at CCAW was Adam Dodge, a tech expert and advocate who founded EndTAB, an organization dedicated to ending technology-enabled abuse. After his session, Kelly had the opportunity to speak with Adam about challenges she was facing with her case.
Kelly was dealing with a violation of a protective order where the victim’s ex-husband was tracking her through her vehicle’s app. Despite having a search warrant, Kelly encountered resistance from auto manufacturers, specifically Mercedes, who were not recognizing the legal authority of the warrant. This roadblock was not only frustrating but also dangerous, as it hindered her ability to protect the victim effectively.
Collaboration for Change
Adam Dodge, with his expertise in technology and advocacy, immediately recognized the gravity of the issue. He and Kelley brainstormed ways to address the problem, realizing that it was not just a local issue but a national one. Together, they decided to bring national awareness to the lack of cooperation from auto manufacturers in cases involving technology-enabled abuse.
Their collaboration led to a series of initiatives aimed at changing federal law to ensure that search warrants related to technology-enabled abuse are recognized and acted upon by auto manufacturers. They leveraged their networks, spoke at various forums, and engaged with policymakers to highlight the urgent need for legislative change.
The Ripple Effect
The impact of Kelly and Adam’s collaboration has been profound. Their efforts have sparked conversations at the highest levels of government and within the auto industry. They have raised awareness about the intersection of technology and domestic abuse, prompting other law enforcement agencies to review their policies and practices. Additionally, their advocacy has led to increased support for victims of technology-enabled abuse, ensuring that they receive the protection they need.
Sharing Knowledge and Overcoming Challenges
Building on the momentum from the conference, Kelly Downey has taken further steps to share her experiences and solutions with a broader audience. She provided a webinar for the Institute for Coordinated Community Response (ICCR), a program of the Conference on Crimes Against Women. The webinar was attended by almost 400 practitioners from around the United States, including many law enforcement professionals. Kelly shared practical advice and innovative strategies for overcoming the challenges posed by auto manufacturers when serving search warrants.
The webinar was a resounding success, leading to several follow-up contacts from attendees seeking consultations on cases they were working on. Kelly’s willingness to share her expertise has empowered many to navigate the complexities of serving search warrants in cases involving technology-enabled abuse.
A New Legislative Proposal
Recently, Kelly contacted the Conference team to share exciting news. Thanks to her connection with Adam Dodge, there is new proposed legislation in Louisiana. If passed, Louisiana will be the first state to require automobile manufacturers to cease app use in certain cases involving domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking. This groundbreaking proposal is a direct result of the collaboration and advocacy efforts sparked by CCAW.
Their story is a testament to the conference’s ability to foster connections that lead to meaningful, lasting impact. This is just one example of hundreds of examples of “the ripple effect” where practitioners from different parts of the country have met at CCAW and worked together to keep survivors safe, hold offenders accountable, and improve laws.
As we look to the future, the ripple effect of the CCAW will undoubtedly continue to inspire and drive progress in the fight against gender-based violence. Join us.
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We filmed a Podcast episode on this!
Click the title to listen to the episode.
As Detective Kelly Downey unravels the haunting narrative of “Christine,” a woman ensnared by her spouse through her car’s GPS, we confront the sobering reality of tech-enabled abuse. Our discussion with digital safety expert Adam Dodge ventures beyond physical violence to expose the psychological and technological warfare waged in abusive relationships. This episode strips bare the complexities of car stalking and the severe implications for victims’ safety, questioning the accountability of car companies and the effectiveness of current legislation in protecting those at risk.
Peeling back the layers of vehicle tracking apps, we reveal the unsettling truth about modern stalking tactics, where abusers exploit the very tools meant to provide convenience and security. Our conversation takes a critical look at the automotive industry’s privacy practices, or lack thereof, and the obstacles law enforcement face when seeking cooperation from tech giants. We spotlight the bold steps necessary to safeguard personal privacy in an era where technology can be both an ally and an adversary.
In response to the pervasive threat of digital harassment, we share innovative strategies and resources that offer victims a lifeline. Encrypted messaging and vigilant digital hygiene become shields against abusers, while legislative strides in phone number portability present a beacon of hope.
