Germany Considers GPS-Tracking for Domestic Violence Prevention

The proposed use of electronic ankle monitors aims to protect victims and reduce femicides, inspired by Spain's successful model.

The Weiße Ring organization is advocating for the rapid implementation of a federal law mandating electronic ankle monitors to protect victims of domestic violence in Germany.
The Spanish model, introduced in 2009, has reduced femicides by 25% annually and inspired similar discussions in Germany, with proponents estimating it could save 40 lives per year.
The proposed system would alert authorities if a perpetrator violates proximity restrictions, using GPS tracking to enforce protective measures.
Germany's Bundeskriminalamt reported over 180,000 female victims of domestic violence in 2023, with nearly 1,000 cases involving attempted or completed femicides.
While several German states, such as Schleswig-Holstein and Hessen, support the initiative, questions about funding, implementation, and legislative hurdles remain unresolved.