German Cabinet Approves Electronic Ankle Monitors to Combat Domestic Violence

The proposed law introduces GPS tracking for high-risk offenders, but its passage before the February election remains uncertain.

The German government has approved a draft amendment to the Violence Protection Act, allowing courts to mandate electronic ankle monitors for domestic violence offenders in high-risk cases.
The measure would permit three-month monitoring periods, extendable by an additional three months, to ensure the safety of victims, particularly women at risk from violent ex-partners.
The law also includes provisions to require offenders to participate in anti-violence courses, aiming to address the root causes of abusive behavior.
Justice Minister Volker Wissing highlighted Spain's success with similar GPS tracking systems, emphasizing their effectiveness in reducing domestic violence incidents.
Saxony became the first German state to implement the Spanish model this week, using GPS-equipped ankle monitors to enforce restraining orders and alert victims and police if offenders come too close.