The Pros and Cons of the Norwegian Reverse Assault Alarm

AfRené Pløhn

In Norway, a special type of over-assault alarm with GPS tracking is used to protect victims of violence from their former partners. Convicted perpetrators of violence wear an ankle bracelet that prevents them from contacting their victims. An invisible ring is formed around the victim’s residence, and if the perpetrator violates the boundary, an alarm is triggered at the police station.

The idea behind the ankle bracelets is to shift the burden from the victim to the perpetrator. The ankle bracelet can only be opened and closed electronically, and since 2011, 86 people have been sentenced to wear the ankle bracelet in Norway.

The use of the ankle bracelet with GPS tracking has had positive results in Norway, and there have been no reports of violations of court orders. The use of this technology can give a greater sense of security to victims who are at risk of further assault. However, the use of the ankle bracelet may be invasive and limiting for the perpetrator, as they are continuously monitored and restricted in their movements.

Additionally, the use of ankle bracelets may not address the underlying causes of the perpetrator’s behavior or lead to long-term changes in their actions and attitudes. Finally, the use of ankle bracelets may require significant resources and funding for implementation and maintenance for a large number of perpetrators. Nevertheless, the ankle bracelets remain a valuable tool in the fight against domestic violence.

Pros and Cons of a Reverse Assault Alarm

Here is a list of pros and cons:

Pros:

  • The use of a special alarm with GPS tracking can prevent convicted perpetrators of violence from contacting their former victims
  • The alarm can be combined with police surveillance and possibly a court order to prevent the perpetrator from entering a specific zone around the victim’s residence
  • The burden is shifted from the victim to the perpetrator, as it is the perpetrator’s responsibility to carry the alarm and ensure it is charged
  • The use of the alarm has had positive results in Norway, where there have been no reported violations of court orders
  • The technology can provide a greater sense of security for victims at risk of further abuse

Cons:

  • The use of the alarm can be invasive and limiting for the perpetrator, as they are constantly monitored and restricted in their movements
  • The use of the alarm cannot address the root causes of the perpetrator’s behavior and cannot lead to long-term changes in their actions and attitudes
  • The use of the alarm can require significant resources and funding for implementation and maintenance for a large number of perpetrators
  • The alarm may not be effective in all cases, as some perpetrators may find ways to circumvent the restrictions and continue to harm their victims

Overall, the use of a reverse assault alarm with GPS tracking has both benefits and drawbacks, and its effectiveness may vary depending on the specific circumstances of each case. It is important to consider the potential consequences and limitations of this technology in conjunction with other measures to address domestic violence.