Woman calls for reverse violence alarm for abuser amid rising domestic violence rates in Norway

A woman, referred to as “Line,” feels constantly unsafe despite having received a mobile violence alarm from the police. This device allows her to alert authorities with the push of a button. However, she wishes her ex-partner, who has a restraining order against him, were equipped with a reverse violence alarm—similar to an ankle bracelet—that would trigger police alerts if he enters a prohibited zone around her home.

Line lives in fear of her ex, who she claims has psychologically and physically abused her over several years. After a confrontational incident, she received the alarm, yet he has repeatedly violated the terms of his restraining order. Despite her concerns, he has approached her multiple times, prompting her anxiety about her safety.

Her attorney expresses confusion as to why the police haven’t enforced a reverse violence alarm for him yet. She highlights the man’s persistent breaches of the contact ban and believes the police have sufficient evidence to impose stricter measures.

In an effort to enhance protection for domestic violence victims, the government introduced new legislation earlier this year allowing police to implement reverse alarms more easily. This shift is in response to rising domestic violence rates, as noted by law enforcement agencies.

Currently, the use of reverse violence alarms is notably low; only a fraction of the available devices are being utilized despite the alarming statistics surrounding violence in intimate relationships. Calls for legislative reform are gaining momentum, as some officials advocate for reviewing the criteria that determine the implementation of such safety measures for victims.