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Bundestag Holds First Reading of Domestic Violence Bill Adding Electronic Monitoring

The proposal seeks tougher enforcement tools to protect victims, with detailed scrutiny now shifting to parliamentary committees.

Overview

  • The draft would let family courts order electronic ankle bracelets for high‑risk offenders, with victims able to carry a receiver that alerts to prohibited approaches.
  • Courts would gain authority to require perpetrators to attend anti‑violence or social training programs intended to reduce repeat abuse.
  • The maximum prison term for violating protection orders would increase from two to three years, and courts could request weapons‑register data for risk assessments.
  • Lawmakers debated the bill on 27 February and referred it to committees led by the Legal Affairs and Consumer Protection panel; a Die Linke motion for a broader strategy was also sent to committee.
  • Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig endorsed the plan, pointing to Spanish results, while CDU/CSU’s Susanne Hierl backed the draft yet urged custody consequences for violence against mothers, and advocates called for stronger funding and coordination of support services.