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German Cabinet Backs Ankle Monitors in High‑Risk Domestic‑Violence Cases

The bill now moves to the Bundestag, with first ankle‑monitor orders projected for 2027 after the infrastructure is in place.

Overview

  • Following Wednesday’s cabinet approval, the proposal proceeds to the Bundestag for a vote, and it does not require Bundesrat consent.
  • Family courts would be able to order GPS ankle monitors and provide victims with warning devices that trigger alerts, including automatic police notifications if a prohibited approach occurs.
  • Orders are restricted to high‑risk situations, are time‑limited to six months with possible three‑month extensions, and cannot be imposed against a victim’s wishes.
  • Courts could mandate anti‑violence training or counseling, raise the maximum penalty for violating protection orders to three years, and obtain information from the weapons register to improve risk assessments.
  • The Justice Ministry projects about 160 concurrent cases per year and roughly €16.1 million in annual costs, cites Spain’s model as evidence of effectiveness, and faces both support from states like Hesse and criticism from advocates and fathers’ groups over resources and rights.