“Electronic ankle bracelet” – First reading in the Bundestag

On Friday, February 27, 2026, the discussion will take place. the Bundestag in first reading The draft law introducing electronic monitoring of residence and perpetrator intervention in the Protection Against Violence Act. The Women's Shelter Coordination Association (FHK) welcomes the fact that the issue of protection against violence is being addressed. Finally a political priority receives – but sees a considerable need for improvement.

Ankle monitor: not a panacea

The introduction of electronic monitoring (so-called "ankle bracelet") can be a useful tool in high-risk cases. However, the ankle bracelet alone does not provide sufficient protection against femicides or prevent (former) intimate partner violence. 

Just about 10 percent Of the investigated homicide cases, approximately 100 would have been suitable for this instrument. At the same time, about 100,000 had been found to be suitable for this instrument. 40 percent The women in question had no prior contact with the police or support services – they would simply have been unreachable with an ankle monitor.

Furthermore, only around 12 percent of women living in shelters actually file an application under the Protection Against Violence Act. Those who want to protect particularly vulnerable women cannot rely solely on a tool that is tied to an expedited civil procedure – which most victims never even use.

Working with offenders: correct, but insufficiently regulated

The planned possibility of mandating social skills training courses and violence prevention counselling is generally welcome. Offender work It is an effective means of initiating behavioral change. However, a problem arises: the women affected have no right of veto. The order is issued without their participation or at their request. Furthermore, there is a nationwide lack of sufficiently qualified and funded services – currently, there are only 91 such facilities.

What it really takes

Individual measures only provide protection when embedded in a comprehensive overall concept. The reform of the Protection Against Violence Act is therefore a first step – but not a sufficient one. FHK demands:

• a nationwide standardized (high) risk management system with standardized hazard analysis tools
• the inclusion of professionals from women's shelters and counselling centers in interdisciplinary case conferences
• a reform of family procedural law and child custody law
• comprehensive, fully funded programs for working with perpetrators
• better access to justice for women affected by violence