The anti-approach bracelet

The anti-approach bracelet is a tool to protect the victims of conjugal violence or sexual abuse. It can be imposed on an offender during legal proceedings, with the victim’s consent.

The anti-approach bracelet is an electronic geolocation device used to prevent a person accused of or convicted for an offence pertaining to conjugal violence or sexual abuse from approaching the victim.

It seeks to:

• increase a feeling of safety among victims;
• verify that the accused or convicted person abides by the conditions imposed on him;
• prevent a new offence;
• support police intervention should the offender approach the victim.

It can be imposed in three legal contexts:

• an interim release;
• community-based sentencing (probation or a suspended prison sentence);
• a furlough or parole granted to a person serving a jail sentence of less than two years.

The anti-approach bracelet can be imposed by:

• a judge;
• the director of a provincial detention facility;
• a member the Commission québécoise des libérations conditionnelles;
• a Services correctionnels du Québec probation officer.

The anti-approach bracelet comprises two linked geolocalizable components.

For the person accused or convicted
An electronic bracelet attached to the ankle, which cannot be removed, equipped with a loudspeaker that can receive alerts from a surveillance central station.

For the victim
A smartphone application or a device that is loaned to the victim to locate all her movements.

If the person wearing the electronic bracelet infringes a legal condition by approaching the victim or a place where she may be such as her home or workplace, an alert is sent to a surveillance central station. An officer from the surveillance central station can monitor both people on a screen and follow their movements. He will ask the person wearing the bracelet to turn back. If the person refuses to do so or continues to approach, the officer will request police intervention.

Rollout of the anti-approach bracelet

The anti-approach bracelet is being made available gradually in courthouses, detention facilities, and probation offices in the following regions.

The anti-approach bracelet is being made available gradually in courthouses, detention facilities, and probation offices in the following regions.