French judges will soon have the option of requiring
electronic tracking ankle bracelets for domestic violence
offenders, the government said Thursday, as the country grapples
with a growing number of women killed by current or former
partners.
The measure, which has long been sought by rights advocates, was
passed by parliament this year and will be gradually be rolled out
starting Friday, according to a decree in France’s government
bulletin.
The move is part of a wider government crackdown on domestic
violence promised by President Emmanuel Macron, who has announced
increased training for police and the creation of 1,000 new places
in emergency shelters.
The GPS monitor alerts women as well as the police if known
abusers get to within a certain distance of their victims.
Advocates of the device point to sharp decreases seen after
their introduction in Spain and several US states.
Official statistics show that 146 women were killed in domestic
violence cases last year, up from 121 in 2018.
Overall, the government estimates that more than 200,000 women
are victims of marital violence each year, with many cases never
reported.
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The coronavirus crisis, which prompted a two-month nationwide
lockdown last spring, also led to a surge in domestic violence as
many women found themselves stuck with their abusers.
Initially, courts in just five cities will be able to issue the
ankle bracelets, but they will be available nationwide by the end
of this year, the justice ministry said, adding that around 1,000
of the monitors are currently in stock.
Judges can order them for men convicted of assault or even as
part of protection orders for women who report abuse, even before
any criminal conviction.
In this case, the alleged offender must agree to wear the
bracelet. If he refuses, the judge can order prosecutors to open a
criminal inquiry.
Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti will present the new
measure at a courthouse in the Paris suburb of Pontoise on
Thursday.
AFP
Read more https://swordpress.com.ng/2020/09/24/france-rolls-out-gps-trackers-to-curb-domestic-violence/