New 'Restriction Zones' and GPS Tracking for Domestic Abusers: Government's Bold Move to Protect Survivors

August 7, 2025
New 'Restriction Zones' and GPS Tracking for Domestic Abusers: Government's Bold Move to Protect Survivors
  • Justice Minister Alex Davies-Jones announced new government measures aimed at enhancing the safety of domestic abuse survivors, including the introduction of 'restriction zones' for perpetrators.

  • These proposed zones will utilize GPS tracking technology to establish 'virtual boundaries' for offenders, with serious penalties for those who breach these restrictions.

  • Probation officers will collaborate with survivors to identify specific locations that offenders will be banned from, ensuring tailored safety measures based on individual circumstances.

  • Survivor Leanne shared her personal experience, emphasizing the need for restriction zones near schools and local areas where she frequently encountered her abuser despite having restraining orders.

  • Reality star Georgia Harrison, a campaigner against violence towards women, supported the initiative, arguing that it could significantly enhance survivors' safety by placing movement restrictions on perpetrators.

  • Harrison also advocated for greater accountability from social media platforms in preventing online abuse, which disproportionately affects domestic abuse victims.

  • While Leanne is hopeful about the government's approach, she remains skeptical due to past disappointments from previous administrations.

  • Concerns have been raised by the victims' commissioner regarding the capacity of the Probation Service to manage the anticipated surge in tagged offenders, as tens of thousands may be affected.

  • Amy Glover, director of the domestic abuse charity Advance, expressed cautious optimism about the initiative but stressed the importance of effective monitoring and intervention processes for offenders.

  • The government's initiative is part of a broader overhaul of the prison system to address overcrowding, which may include earlier releases for violent offenders and an investment of £700 million for probation services.

  • The victims minister aims to incorporate survivor feedback into the justice system to improve protections and support for domestic abuse victims.

  • Davies-Jones emphasized the need for strong safeguards to help victims regain confidence in their daily lives, highlighting the importance of real-time monitoring.

Summary based on 7 sources


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