Buschmann issues a rejection of uniform ankle-chaining rules
Federal Minister of the Interior Faeser announces the intention to consequently control cases of domestic violence. She is in consultation with Federal Justice Minister Buschmann on this matter. The latter rejects a uniform federal law on ankle bracelets for domestic violence, instead referring to the jurisdiction of state police.
Federal Justice Minister Marco Buschmann considers a uniform federal regulation on the use of electronic ankle bracelets for domestic violence unnecessary. He opposes a corresponding demand raised at the Innenministerkonferenz (IMK) in June. The FDP politician acknowledges the need to improve protection against violence from partners or ex-partners.
States wishing to use electronic ankle bracelets could regulate this themselves, Buschmann stated. The electronic ankle bracelet reports the location - if someone approaches the victim's residence despite a prohibition on approaching or contacting, the police are alerted.
"Domestic violence causes unbearable suffering for victims," emphasized Buschmann. He is in agreement with the Interior Ministers that more protection is needed here. "As a Justice Minister, I am taking concrete action for this," he added. His ministry is currently working on reforms of the Child Protection Law and the Family Proceedings Law. Both projects aim to provide better protection against domestic violence.
Police should decide on ankle bracelets
If the Interior Ministers considered ankle bracelets a sensible tool in the fight against domestic violence, they could introduce them immediately under police law, explained Buschmann. "If you want ankle bracelets, a regulation on them in police law would also be good," said the FDP Minister. After all, victims of domestic violence typically turn to the police first. "It therefore makes sense that the police decide on the issuance of ankle bracelets."
The police law in Bavaria and Hamburg allows for the use of ankle bracelets both in the context of police measures and in parallel with civil law protection, Buschmann continued. "No one prevents other states from taking this as an example."
Federal Minister of the Interior Faeser announced at the IMK in June that prohibitions on entering a dwelling and approaching the victim must be "consequently enforced and closely monitored." She is in consultation with Buschmann. If perpetrators were monitored with an electronic ankle bracelet, the police could intervene more quickly in case of emergency and prevent violence against women more effectively.
Faeser cited corresponding regulations in Austria as an example. In Germany, according to police statistics, 155 women were killed by their partner or ex-partner in 2023 - 22 more than in the previous year. Among the men, there were 24.
- Despite Federal Justice Minister Buschmann's opposition to a uniform federal law on electronic ankle bracelets for domestic violence, he acknowledges the need for improved protection against such violence.
- Federal Minister of the Interior Faeser and Buschmann are working collaboratively to enhance the enforcement of prohibitions related to domestic violence, with Faeser suggesting the use of electronic ankle bracelets for monitoring perpetrors.
- In the context of discussions on domestic violence surveillance, FDP politician Marco Buschmann suggests that if states wish to utilize electronic ankle bracelets, they should regulate their use under police law, as it is typically the police that victims initially turn to for aid.
