Governor signs laws to strengthen protections for domestic violence survivors

By THE STAR STAFF

Gov. Jenniffer González Colón has enacted several legislative measures aimed at reinforcing the protection system for survivors of domestic violence across multiple scenarios.

The new laws introduce mandatory electronic monitoring, require courts to provide action plans when issuing protective orders, and establish a security protocol for emergency shelters. The initiatives seek to harmonize judicial and operational tools that previously operated in isolation, creating a more consistent response during critical moments.

Law 137-2025 revises the statute that created the Domestic Violence Surveillance, Protection and Prevention Program and amends provisions of the Rules of Criminal Procedure. It reinstates mandatory electronic monitoring for defendants charged under Puerto Rico’s Domestic Violence Prevention and Intervention Act, as well as for serious or lesser offenses eligible for jury trial when a romantic relationship exists under the legal definition. Legislators argue the measure addresses concerns that prior judicial discretion weakened the effectiveness of monitoring. The law also aligns electronic supervision with the bail system, expands the list of crimes requiring automatic monitoring, and maintains the requirement that defendants contribute to system costs.

Law 138-2025 mandates that courts provide a guide for developing a personalized protection action plan when issuing protective orders. Created with input from specialized personnel, the guide offers strategies for personal safety, escape routes, essential documentation, child protection, responsible social media use, and discreet communication methods. The law emphasizes that the plan complements -- rather than replaces -- judicial protection, offering tangible steps to reduce immediate risks.

Law 139-2025 responds to vulnerabilities reported during past emergencies such as Hurricane Maria and the southern earthquakes, when some shelters became sites of intra- and extrafamilial violence. The law requires the Department of Public Safety to implement a mandatory protocol in all emergency shelters. This framework includes prevention measures, detection systems, interagency coordination, compulsory staff training, background checks, safe spaces for minors, accessibility for people with disabilities, and clear reporting and intervention guidelines. The goal is to unify the state’s response and address the lack of standards exposed during previous disasters.

Together, the three measures enacted over the weekend aim to create a more coherent and operational legal structure that acknowledges the complex risks faced by domestic violence survivors in Puerto Rico.