Active Vigilance Against Femicides: A Call for Expedited Implementation of Electronic Ankle Monitors
Swifter Implementation of Electronic Anklets Called for in Legislation - Needed: Enhanced Speed for the Implementation of Electronic Ankle Braces
Hey there! Let's dive into the pressing issue of women's safety and a potential solution that's been stirring up conversations nationwide – electronic ankle monitors for violent offenders.
The advocacy group Terre de Femmes is advocating for speedier implementation of these devices in Lower Saxony, echoing similar actions taken in states like Hesse and Saxony. According to Sina Tonk, a key member of the organization, such measures should be enacted across the board.
Tonk emphasizes the need for not only the electronic ankle monitor but also a review of orders under the Protection Against Violence Act, which includes restraining orders. As we speak, a bill is in the works for Lower Saxony.
Lower Saxony's Interior Minister Daniela Behrens (SPD) supports this innovative form of surveillance reminiscent of the Spanish model. The electronic ankle monitor tracks the offender's movements, ensuring they stay away from the endangered individuals.
Inspired by Spain's implementation of the electronic ankle monitor, there's been a significant reduction in the number of femicides – violent crimes against women often perpetrated by partners or ex-partners. Even the Lower Saxony CDU is urging swift action on this front.
Recent weeks in Lower Saxony have seen a string of distressing incidents. In Nienburg, a woman was brutally killed on a parking lot, and her ex-partner stands accused. In Goslar, a man allegedly set his wife on fire, and she later fell out of a window. The husband is the prime suspect.
In Varel, a woman was reportedly run over and killed by her husband. He's been charged with murder, and the couple had been living separately. A court had previously prohibited the man from approaching the woman.
So, what exactly are we talking about here? Prevention, women's rights, ankle monitors, women, Lower Saxony – you get the picture!
Now, let's delve a bit deeper. In Serbia, for instance, there's a growing push to use ankle monitors to ensure compliance with restraining orders, with the ultimate goal of reducing femicides [1]. This shift places the onus on technology rather than the victim to monitor for violations, providing an additional layer of protection.
However, it's essential to acknowledge that the exact effectiveness of electronic ankle monitors in preventing femicides in regions like Lower Saxony or Hesse remains unclear in our current data. Factors such as the legal framework, enforcement capabilities, and support services available in these regions play significant roles in determining the success of such measures.
But remember, every step towards greater safety for women is worth taking, and the use of electronic ankle monitors is one such step that merits serious consideration. Stay tuned for more updates on this topic!
[1] Restraining order enforcement and ankle monitor usage in Serbia as a means to combat femicides. (Accessed 2022-07-25)
- The call for expedited implementation of electronic ankle monitors in community policy is not only restricted to Lower Saxony, but is also being advocated in other regions as a potential solution for a reduction in incidents of femicide, such as in Serbia.
- The health-and-wellness of women, particularly in relation to their safety, has become a focal point in politics, with the topic of electronic ankle monitors for violent offenders receiving significant attention in general news.
- The implementation of an employment policy that ensures law enforcement officials are equipped with the necessary technology and training to effectively enforce electronic ankle monitors would support the prevention of femicides.
- Mental-health professionals may find it beneficial to engage with policy makers in the development of employment policies that provide support services for victims of domestic violence and their families, ensuring a comprehensive approach to women's health and safety.
