Germany’s Bundesrat has approved a reform of the Violence Protection Act, allowing courts to order electronic ankle tags for potential violent offenders, as reported by Zeit. The measure is intended to better protect victims of domestic violence.
The bill also allows family courts to require offenders to attend anti-violence courses. Penalties for violating protection orders will be increased. Family courts will be able to request information from the weapons register for risk assessment.
Rhineland-Palatinate Justice Minister Herbertine Hubig (SPD) said, “The state stands on the side of people who have experienced violence.” Deputy SPD parliamentary group leader Sonja Eichwede stressed the need for further measures such as adequately funded women’s shelters and specialized counseling centers. The Women’s Shelter Coordination warned that electronic tags cannot replace comprehensive risk management.
Source: www.zeit.de
