The National Director of Gender Policies, July Zabaleta, has announced that the Ministry of the Interior is currently working on developing a mobile application designed to facilitate the reporting process for victims of domestic and gender-based violence when their aggressors breach court-imposed precautionary measures. This initiative aims to harness existing technological capabilities to simplify the often daunting task faced by victims who need to extend or modify their protective orders due to non-compliance by their aggressors. Traditionally, this would require a trip to a specialized police station, a requirement that the new application seeks to eliminate.
In an interview on the program “Arriba Gente” on Canal 10, Zabaleta elaborated on the envisioned functionality of the application, suggesting it could either be an internal tool of the Ministry of the Interior or an interinstitutional platform. The application would enable victims to extend their denunciations or even schedule police visits to their homes to take their statements, thereby minimizing the need for victims to physically go to a police station. This represents a significant step forward in utilizing technology to streamline and facilitate access to justice for those affected by domestic violence.
When questioned about the expected rollout timeline for this application, Zabaleta emphasized the urgency of its launch, stating that the sooner it becomes available, the better. The reasoning behind this push for swift implementation lies in the ministry’s understanding that victims of complex and sensitive issues like domestic violence should not be further burdened with bureaucratic processes. Instead, the goal is to facilitate their lives, promoting autonomy and easing their navigation of an already challenging situation.
Electronic Ankle Monitors
Zabaleta also highlighted the ministry’s current utilization of electronic ankle monitors for the control and monitoring of aggressors, with a total of 2,300 devices available. Out of these, 2,100 are currently in use, facilitating the monitoring of approximately 4,200 individuals, including both the aggressors wearing the ankle monitors and their corresponding victims, who are equipped with mobile alert devices. This technological approach not only aids in the supervision of individuals who have breached protective orders but also plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of victims.
The director noted that efforts are also being made to reduce the stress experienced by victims due to frequent alerts from their mobile devices. To address this, the number of alarms sent to victims has been minimized. The team responsible for monitoring these cases has been instructed to avoid unnecessary contact or alerts to the victim when the situation can be resolved by the police without the need for immediate notification. Zabaleta underscored the need for additional personnel to monitor and control cases where electronic ankle monitors are used, emphasizing the importance of adequate human resources in managing these complex situations effectively.
The development of the mobile application and the strategic use of electronic ankle monitors underscore the ministry’s proactive approach to addressing domestic and gender-based violence. By leveraging technology and refining existing protocols, the goal is to create a more responsive and supportive system for victims, one that not only enhances their safety but also fosters an environment where they feel empowered to seek help without fear of further distress or complication.