(de-news.net) – Federal Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig (SPD) has announced the forthcoming introduction of legislation aimed at adopting the “Spanish model” of electronic monitoring for individuals convicted of domestic violence offenses in Germany. The proposed legal framework, expected to be tabled following the summer recess, seeks to empower family courts to mandate the use of electronic ankle bracelets for perpetrators who pose a continued threat to former intimate partners – predominantly male offenders. Victims would retain autonomy in deciding whether to carry a complementary receiving device capable of alerting them to the proximity of the offender. The initiative further proposes compulsory participation in anti-violence training programs as a preventive intervention.
In tandem with measures designed to protect adult victims, the legislation places particular emphasis on safeguarding minors. Hubig underscored the intention to integrate protective orders into the domain of family law, thereby extending legal safeguards to children exposed to abusive parental figures. To enhance the deterrent effect and judicial efficacy of existing provisions under the Protection Against Violence Act, the proposal includes increasing the maximum custodial sentence from two to three years, alongside applicable financial penalties. Legislative implementation is anticipated to commence in the following calendar year, contingent upon parliamentary approval and coordinated execution by Germany’s federal states. Preparatory efforts at the state level are reportedly underway, with authorities mobilizing resources to establish the requisite operational infrastructure.
The proposed reforms have garnered increased support amid rising public concern over gender-based violence. Bremen’s Interior Senator Ulrich Mäurer (SPD), before the spring conference of interior ministers, invoked Germany’s ongoing femicide crisis and condemned entrenched misogynistic attitudes that perpetuate male dominance over women’s autonomy. The initiative aligns with provisions enshrined in the coalition agreement between SPD and CDU/CSU, which commits to harmonizing national legislation concerning electronic tagging under the umbrella of domestic violence prevention.
Former Federal Family Minister Lisa Paus (Greens) has also endorsed the Spanish model, citing its capacity to notify both victims and law enforcement in the event of offender proximity. Paus confirmed that draft legislation reflecting these priorities has already been formulated by the incumbent coalition government. Data published by the Federal Criminal Police Office for 2023 highlights the urgency of reform, with 360 homicides and 578 attempted homicides targeting women documented within the reporting period.
