In Montenegro, we must not allow ourselves to live in fear

The fact that observations from several analyses and studies, official and independent reports, indicate that violence against women and domestic violence is worryingly present, was assessed once again at the conference "International Standards on Domestic Violence and their Application in Montenegro".

Biljana Pejović, on behalf of the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights,  explained that no one should suffer and hide violence, and that the first step towards its release is when victim responds and recognizes herself as a victim, then she frees her fear of seeking the help she needs.

The Ministry for Human and Minority Rights appeals to the citizens of Montenegro that in instances when they happen to be witnesses of violence or have knowledge of potential violence, they should immediately report to the competent authorities.

" Violence is really a kind of fear, and justice is the worst enemy of justice. International statistics show a worrying situation, to which neither country is immune, not even Montenegro. In Montenegro we must not allow ourselves to live in fear, especially in our own family. This fight must be persistent, strong and united in order to achieve positive and sustainable results, " Pejović said.

She reminded that statistical data show that it is necessary to undertake further strategic measures to ensure the prevention of violence, both domestic violence and violence against women in the wider sense, and to provide quality, effective and credible mechanisms for protecting victims of violence and effectively prosecuting perpetrators.

Protector of Human Rights and Freedoms of Montenegro, Šućko Baković, pointed out that the increase in the number of reported cases, apart from indicating that acts of violence were on the rise, can be an indicator that the victims have been further strengthened and legally educated to report violence to the authorities.

"In our assessment of the situation, I would say that it is largely in line with the conclusions of the civil sector," Baković said.           

According to him, given the certain shortcomings of the protection system in Montenegro, the basis for effective treatment of the competent authorities must be based on harmonized preventive action, continuous education and training of the officials involved, development of support services, implementation of effective protection measures and support to victims and witnesses in procedures to competent authorities, but also on deterrent penalties.

The conference was also addressed by Biljana Zeković, director of SOS telephone Podgorica; Audrone Urbonaviciute - Deputy Head of the Operational Sector in the Delegation of the European Union; Marijana Laković Drasković - Director of the Directorate for Justice, Senka Klikovac - Head of the Directorate for Health Care; Stanka Vučinić - Deputy President of the Supreme Court; Ljiljana Klikovac - Basic State Prosecutor's Office; Milivoje Rašović - President of the High Court for Minor Offenses; Vanja Mikulić Rakočević - author of the study "International Standards for the Protection of Women from Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence" and Vesna Ratković - professor of criminal law at the Faculty of Law at the University of Mediteran.

Ministry for Human and Minority Rights