Responding to a significant rise in domestic violence cases, Germany’s Federal Minister of Justice, Stefanie Hubig, is proposing stricter measures aimed at perpetrators. The initiative, announced Monday, seeks to bolster protections for victims and address the increasing prevalence of abuse within families.
A key component of the proposed changes involves the introduction of electronic monitoring, commonly referred to as ankle bracelets. This technology would enable family courts across Germany to mandate its use in cases involving severe psychological or physical abuse.
Furthermore, Minister Hubig intends to revise regulations concerning parental rights and access. Individuals found to have engaged in domestic violence may, in the future, face limitations or complete forfeiture of custody or visitation rights, particularly in families with children. The stated goal is to unequivocally establish that violence has no place within familial relationships.
Official figures released indicate a concerning trend, with over 265,000 incidents of domestic violence recorded last year. This represents a 3.8% increase compared to the previous year, highlighting the urgency of addressing the issue. The proposed measures aim to provide a more robust response to rising incidence rates and offer enhanced safeguards for vulnerable individuals.