The number of people who will eventually have to wear a so-called “Spanish shackle” due to domestic violence is projected to rise significantly across Germany, according to the Hessian Ministry of Justice. Currently, there are 23 such cases, but an estimate suggests this figure could reach approximately 400.
A spokesperson shared details with the German Press Network, explaining that the Joint Electronic Monitoring Authority (GÜL) is responsible for this oversight across all 16 states. Based on the expected increase in cases, the authority-which currently employs about 30 staff members-will also expand its personnel. The spokesperson stated that the capacity increase is underway, and they aim to complete it early in the year.
Currently, the authority monitors 149 individuals electronically in total. These include offenders and those considered a risk. Among these, 23 individuals are currently wearing the “Spanish shackle,” a device that alerts potential victims if the perpetrator approaches despite a restraining order, allowing the police to intervene.
While the spokesperson did not specify the exact number of new employees, the costs for this expansion will be distributed among the federal states according to the Königsteiner key, a formula that considers population and tax revenue. Because the authority requires further expansion, the law will only come into effect on April 1, 2027.
