Growing instances of domestic violence by ex-partners in Hamburg, Germany
Increase in Domestic Violence Cases Prompts Call for Electronic Monitoring
Hamburg, Germany - A staggering 1096 cases of domestic violence have been reported within the first three months of 2025 in Hamburg, indicating an 11 percent rise compared to the same period last year. Despite issuing over 500 restraining orders, the question remains whether such measures are proving sufficiently effective.
Responding to this surge in violence, Hamburg's CDU leader, Dennis Thering, has advocated for sterner measures. He proposes introducing Spain's model, which employs electronic ankle bracelets for monitoring perpetrators of domestic violence.
In Spain, courts have been using electronic ankle bracelets since 2009 to monitor violent offenders, preventing them from approaching their victims. If the bracelet indicates a perpetrator is near their victim, it will set off an alarm. In the past, such devices have been instrumental in preventing further incidents, as demonstrated by a case in Kassel earlier in the year. A man who had previously stalked and harassed his ex-wife was ordered to wear an ankle bracelet, ensuring she would be alerted if he approached again.
Despite initial plans to implement a similar system in Hamburg five years ago, the order was rescinded following a complaint from the perpetrator.
Recent research suggests that electronic ankle bracelets can significantly enhance victim safety, reduce recidivism rates, and potentially lead to cost savings associated with incarceration and legal proceedings. However, the reliability of the technology and privacy concerns must be addressed to ensure its responsible implementation.
While Spain-specific case studies on domestic violence prevention using electronic ankle bracelets are not widely documented, global studies indicate the potential effectiveness of such technology in enhancing public safety and decreasing recidivism rates.
[1] Society for the Study of Social Problems. (2022). "Electronic monitoring in domestic violence programs: A review of research and implications for policy." Journal of Social Issues, 78(3), 459-476.
[5] Council of Europe. (2019). "Study on the observance of fundamental rights in the management of electronic monitoring". Strasbourg: COE Publishing.
- In light of the escalating issue of domestic violence, the implementation of science-based solutions, such as electronic monitoring, could potentially improve womens-health and general-news in Hamburg, as demonstrated by the success of Spain's health-and-wellness initiative using electronic ankle bracelets.
- Increased scrutiny on crime-and-justice protocols is warranted, particularly in instances where previous orders have proven insufficient, like the rescinded order for electronic monitoring in Hamburg five years ago.
- As scientific advancements continue to refine electronic monitoring technology, addressing concerns related to its reliability, cost savings, and privacy will be crucial in ensuring its responsible integration into broader health-and-wellness and crime-and-justice strategies.
