Monitoring Safety from Violence: A Look at Ankle Devices - Their Capabilities and Limitations - Foot-Banding: Its Impacts and Limitations Revealed
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In a bid to enhance protection for women experiencing domestic violence, stalking, and partner violence, political parties in Germany are considering the implementation of electronic ankle monitors. This technology, already in use in several states, aims to track offenders' movements and enforce restraining orders, potentially reducing recidivism.
However, the effectiveness of these monitors is a subject of debate, with evidence suggesting that their impact can vary greatly depending on the context. In the case of Spain's model, introduced in 2009, some notable impacts and considerations have emerged.
Effectiveness in Prevention
Electronic ankle monitors can help enforce proximity restrictions by alerting authorities if the offender approaches the victim. This real-time monitoring can significantly improve victim safety as part of a broader protective system. In Spain, the first ten years of the program saw no woman who participated in the program being killed.
Limitations and Challenges
While the potential benefits are clear, the effectiveness of electronic ankle monitors depends on appropriate use, integration with risk assessment tools, and the responsiveness of law enforcement. For example, similar systems in the UK have faced criticism due to flawed risk assessment tools and inconsistent police follow-up.
Rights of Monitored Individuals
The use of electronic monitoring raises significant privacy and human rights issues. Monitored individuals face restrictions on their freedom of movement and potential stigma, which must be balanced against the protective needs of victims. There is also concern about the proportionality of such measures and their impact on rehabilitation and reintegration.
Broader Implications for Preventive Measures
Electronic ankle monitors in Spain are part of an evolving framework to protect domestic violence victims that also includes risk assessment, police training, victim support services, and legal reforms. Their role is complementary rather than standalone. Preventive effectiveness improves when combined with accurate risk evaluation and systemic support.
Other Preventive Measures
Experts stress that electronic ankle monitors are not a panacea and that other preventive measures are at least equally important, if not more so. Jörg Kinzig, for instance, calls an electronic ankle monitor one stone among many, implying that other measures such as restraining orders, safe spaces, and counseling are equally or more important.
The Way Forward in Germany
In Baden-Württemberg, the use of electronic ankle monitors for potential perpetrators of domestic violence, partner violence, and stalking is being considered. The CDU, SPD, Greens, and FDP have agreed to negotiate on how the police law could be changed for this purpose after the summer break. The SPD proposes the use of these monitors, which could be ordered by a judge in such cases.
However, it's important to note that there is no nationwide uniform regulation yet, and the obligation to wear an ankle monitor lies in the realm of prediction, as it is not dealing with currently convicted criminals. After two months, the data must be deleted.
Conclusion
While electronic ankle monitors can contribute to domestic violence and stalking prevention by enhancing enforcement of protective orders, they must be carefully managed to uphold the rights of monitored individuals and integrated with robust assessment and support systems to maximize impact. Challenges seen in other countries underscore the need for continuous evaluation and improvement of these measures.
[1] Source: Risk assessment and electronic monitoring in domestic violence: An overview of the evidence base
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