Violence prevention with geodata: new technologies enable automated, data protection-compliant monitoring – Bavaria signals support
In view of the alarming number of femicides and domestic violence in Germany, calls for better protection measures for victims are growing louder. At the centre of the discussion is a model from Spain that uses modern geodata technology: a combination of GPS-enabled ankle tags for perpetrators and mobile trackers for victims. This system could soon be used nationwide – several federal states such as Hesse, Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia are already using it. The Conference of Interior Ministers is currently discussing its nationwide introduction.
The Bavarian tech company The Green Bridge GmbH from Geretsried supports the call for a clear legal framework and is bringing its geodata-based platform into the debate. Its approach: technology should not only monitor, but also actively protect – in everyday life and not just in protected zones.
Domestic violence: a structural problem
According to the Federal Criminal Police Office, more than 180,000 women were victims of domestic violence in 2023 alone – an increase of 5.6% over the previous year. The number of unreported cases is likely to be significantly higher. The protective measures used to date – restraining orders, protection zones, emergency call systems – often reach their limits in everyday life.
The ‘Spanish model’ goes one crucial step further: perpetrators wear an electronic ankle bracelet with GPS tracking, while victims carry a portable GPS tracker. The system monitors the distance between the two parties in real time – not only in designated zones, but everywhere. As soon as the perpetrator approaches dangerously, an alarm is automatically triggered: for the victim and the responsible police station. The aim is to prevent attacks before they happen – preventively, automatically, around the clock.
Geodata detects danger – before it escalates
But the benefits of this technology go beyond protection against domestic violence. Prof. Dr Roman Brylka, geodata expert and co-founder of The Green Bridge, sees it as a model for the future of civil protection:
‘Whether it’s repeat paedophile offenders, dangerous stalkers or violent extremists, intelligent analysis of movement data allows risky patterns to be identified at an early stage and specifically interrupted.’
The system uses known geoinformation (such as schools, nurseries or playgrounds) and assigns digital restricted zones (geofences) to it. The technology analyses the movements of the ankle bracelet wearer in real time and warns if conspicuous behaviour patterns emerge – such as repeatedly visiting sensitive locations. Authorities can then take preventive action – by talking to the wearer, checking up on them or taking further measures.
Data protection remains a key concern: location data is aggregated to 100-metre levels, so that it is impossible to determine exact locations (e.g. stadium block or home address). This level of transparency and control meets both legal requirements and social expectations for privacy protection.
The Green Bridge: geodata as the key to greater security
The Green Bridge GmbH, founded in 2021 by Prof. Dr. Roman Brylka and Dipl.-Ing. Christian Mayerhofer, specialises in the intelligent processing and integration of spatial data. Its cloud-based system connects geodata with classic IT structures such as CRM, SCM and ERP systems, enabling new applications for business, administration and security.
What was originally intended for business and sustainability – e.g. for more resilient supply chains or ESG reporting – is now impressively demonstrating how geo-intelligence can also be used in a socially relevant way: for early warning, prevention and the protection of human life.
With 35 employees worldwide, the company is growing rapidly and sees itself as a link between technology, ethics and social responsibility. Further information is available at: https://the-green-bridge.com
With the use of modern geodata technology, Germany is at a turning point in security policy: from reactive law enforcement to intelligent prevention – data protection-compliant, technically feasible and socially necessary.
