Norway implements reverse violence alarms as concerns rise over geographic disparities in policing response

A legal amendment in 2024 has enabled police, in addition to courts, to decide whether to impose a reverse violence alarm (OVA) on individuals. Defense attorney Tor Haug argues that the system disproportionately affects rural areas compared to urban settings due to larger exclusion zones in sparsely populated regions. Meanwhile, victim assistance attorney Charlotte Ringkjøb claims that the measure has enhanced her client’s safety, allowing her to feel secure at home.

Law enforcement has encountered challenges assessing appropriate exclusion zones in remote areas. In some cases, courts have narrowed these zones, raising concerns that police may take longer to respond to alarm triggers as a result.

As of early 2024, Norway has seen an increase in the number of violent crimes, many involving domestic partners, which has led to calls for greater OVA implementation. In April, Justice Minister Emilie Enger Mehl expedited a law allowing police to impose OVAs on individuals charged with violence or violating contact bans.

Recent cases highlight complexities; for example, in Bodø, a man was issued an OVA that required him to vacate his residence due to its location within the exclusion zone. Courts have overturned certain police decisions, highlighting the tension between swift police action and ensuring fair legal processes.

The Nordic police have reported that the OVA implementation has been effective overall, though geographic challenges remain significant, particularly in areas with sparse populations, impacting response times and overall policing capacity. The effectiveness of the measure has been generally seen in terms of its preventative impact, as behavioral changes in individuals on OVA have been noted.