The German government is planning to introduce a nationwide system of electronic monitoring for individuals convicted of domestic violence, drawing inspiration from a model currently utilized in Spain. Federal Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig announced the initiative, stating a draft bill will be presented after the summer recess.
The proposed legislation will empower family courts to mandate electronic ankle bracelets for perpetrators, particularly those with a history of violence against former partners. A key element of the plan involves providing victims with the option to receive a personal alert device that would warn them if the monitored individual approaches.
Beyond the electronic monitoring component, the reform aims to strengthen preventative measures. Courts could be authorized to order participation in anti-violence training programs. Critically, the new framework intends to incorporate enhanced protection measures within family law, specifically designed to safeguard children from abusive parents.
Furthermore, the government is proposing an increase in penalties for violations of the domestic violence protection law. The current maximum sentence of a fine or imprisonment of up to two years would be raised to a fine or imprisonment of up to three years, aiming to bolster the effectiveness of the mandated protections.
While a nationwide rollout is anticipated to take time, Minister Hubig estimates a realistic implementation timeframe within the course of the next year. Following parliamentary approval, the law’s application will necessitate adaptation by individual German states, who are already actively engaged in preliminary preparations and expanding the necessary infrastructure to support the program.
