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Cabinet Plans Electronic Ankle Monitors for High‑Risk Domestic Violence Cases

The proposal mirrors Spain’s program, applying only in extreme high‑risk cases with victim consent.

Overview

  • Ministers are set to decide on a draft that would let family courts add GPS monitoring to protection orders, with first orders expected no earlier than early 2027.
  • Victims could receive a second device that issues proximity warnings, and courts would not impose monitoring against a victim’s wishes.
  • Initial orders would run up to six months, with possible three‑month extensions approved by a court in exceptional cases.
  • Violations of protection orders would carry tougher penalties of up to three years in prison or a fine, and offenders could be compelled to attend social training or violence‑prevention counseling.
  • The Justice Ministry projects about 160 cases a year at an annual cost of €16.1 million, cites Spain’s record in 13,000+ high‑risk cases without a protected woman killed, and plans state coordination units to oversee compliance.