Minister Malenica: Violence against women not a private matter, but a problem of society

On the eve of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, Minister of Justice and Public Administration Ivan Malenica participated in an informal meeting on equality in Pamplona.

The informal meeting of ministers took place under the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Ministers discussed combating of violence against women, sexual violence and new forms of gender-based violence and strengthening of victim support systems.

“Croatia continues to work decisively and without compromise to protect women from violence and to ensure that every victim of violence lives without fear. The rights of victims are human rights and it is the duty of each of us to ensure, implement and advance these rights. Violence against women is not a private problem but a problem of society, and society is as effective as it is protective of victims. This is why we are building a system that will sanction violence more severely and prevent secondary victimisation”, said Minister Malenica.

As a result of the work of a broad working group, legislative amendments have been prepared with the aim of tougher sanctioning of violence against women and improving the protection system for victims of gender-based violence.

Amendments to a package of laws - Criminal Code, Criminal Procedure Act, Protection against Domestic Violence Act and Courts Act - will tighten the penalties for gender-based violence, introduce a new offence of femicide and abolish sexual harassment as a misdemeanour, and define a minimum distance for the protective measure of prohibition from approaching, harassing or stalking the victim.

Victims’ rights are being extended and strengthened. Victims will have the right to access support services for as long as they feel the need. They will also have the right to a confidential person of their choice from the moment they report the crime to the conclusion of the criminal proceedings, as well as the right to appeal against the decision to order, extend or revoke precautionary measures. If a violation of precautionary measures is found, the measure will be replaced by pre-trial detention within 24 hours.

The amendments are also introducing specialisation of judges for cases of violence against women and domestic violence and additional training on gender-based violence for all judicial officials.

In addition to the legislative framework, the Ministry of Justice and Public Administration is expanding the support system for victims and witnesses of crime. In 2023, three new departments were established at county courts in Šibenik, Karlovac and Bjelovar, and additional 6 departments will be established during 2023 and 2024.

“Our goal is to direct the system towards the victim rather than the offender. Such departments are a central part of the victim and witness support system, and make victims feel that they are not alone", said Minister Malenica.

The Ministry of Justice and Public Administration will continue to improve the system of protection of women who are victims of violence through legislative changes, additional trainings and better organisation of the victim support system, because there is no justification for violence.

Photo: Pool PEUE/ Villar López

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