In recent weeks, a debate has flared up in Spain regarding the future of the electronic bracelet system designed to protect victims of domestic violence. Until now, this service has been managed by private companies, which has repeatedly led to failures and dissatisfaction among both users and officials. Since 2009, major companies such as Telefónica and Securitas Direct, followed by Vodafone and Securitas, have been responsible for maintenance. However, recent technical issues and an unsuccessful change of contractors have once again raised the question of whether such an important function should be entrusted to the private sector.
The transition from one company to another was marked not only by technical difficulties but also by breaches of contract terms. The new operators did not always fulfill their duties, causing concerns about the safety of women protected by the system. Authorities admit that stopping the service is not an option, as the lives of almost five thousand people depend on it. Even amid the chaos and confusion reported by staff at the Cometa center, the system must operate without interruption.
Recently, representatives of the Ministry of Equality announced the start of the process to transfer the system to state management. Now, not only the devices but also the software used to monitor alarm signals will become state property. This is expected to increase transparency, simplify quality control, and reduce dependency on contractors’ commercial interests. However, these are just the first steps, and full nationalization of the system is still a long way off.
Many experts and former officials are convinced that only a state-run model can provide the necessary level of security and transparency. They note that in other countries, such systems are usually overseen by the ministries of justice or the interior, rather than outsourced. In Spain, however, the approach has historically been different, and now the authorities are having to address the consequences of past decisions. The question of when the system will become entirely state-owned remains open. For now, the ministry promises to tighten oversight of contractors and does not rule out imposing sanctions for violations. For thousands of women and children who rely on these technologies, these changes could be a matter of life and death.
