State Secretary Ivan Crnčec pointed out that nine women were murdered in 2023, while in 2024 this number rose to sixteen.
"These data clearly indicate the seriousness of the problem, and raising this topic is key to finding a solution", he said.
The Ministry of Justice, Public Administration and Digital Transformation is responsible for the normative framework, while enforcement is ensured by repressive bodies.
"Although important legislative advances have been made, it is crucial to continue working on prevention and public awareness of this problem. Cooperation between all relevant stakeholders - educational institutions, the Ombudswoman, the civil sector and the media - is key to creating synergies in the fight against violence. It is especially important to teach children from an early age that any form of violence is unacceptable, with an emphasis on raising awareness of the perniciousness of violence against women”, State Secretary Crnčec underlined.
He stressed that the Ministry of Justice, Public Administration and Digital Transformation is continuously working on tightening sanctions for crimes and misdemeanours related to violence.
“In 2020, we redefined the concept of rape, so that any nonconsensual sexual intercourse now falls into that category. Also, the concept of domestic violence has been expanded by including long-term suffering and former and current intimate partners. New crimes, such as revenge pornography, have been introduced", highlighted the State Secretary, adding that a crucial step had been taken this year with the adoption of amendments to three laws: the Criminal Code, the Criminal Procedure Act and the Protection against Domestic Violence Act.
The amendments to the Criminal Code introduced a definition of gender-based violence against women, which is now considered an aggravating circumstance during sentencing. Also, femicide was acknowledged as a particularly serious crime, defined as the murder of a woman because of her gender. The limitation period for crimes such as rape, sexual abuse of children and serious sexual offences has been lifted. Penalties have been tightened - the minimum sentence is 10 years in prison, while the maximum reaches 40 years.
Amendments to the Criminal Procedure Act include increased protection of victims through measures such as a restraining order with a minimum distance of 100 meters, removal from home or a ban on making contact. The police now have an obligation to immediately arrest the offender in violation of a measure, while the court must replace the precautionary measure with pre-trial detention within 24 hours.
"In addition to the legal framework, the Ministry provides support to victims through victim and witness support services, with 15 departments across the country. Experts provide emotional and legal support, and the civil sector, including 11 organizations such as the Women's Room, provides additional assistance. There is also a free helpline 116 006, available 24/7, where victims can receive information and support”, State Secretary Crnčec concluded.