Raising one's voice against violence and joint coordinated action towards zero tolerance is the joint responsibility of all social actors, the government, the police, the judiciary, the civil sector, individuals, and international organizations.
On the occasion of the global campaign of activism against violence against women, the ambassadors of the European Union and the United States of America, Oana Kristina Popa and Judy Reising Rajnke, as well as the permanent representative of UNDP in Montenegro, Daniela Gašparikova, said.
They emphasize that gender-based violence is one of the most serious forms of human rights violations, and that it has no place in a democratic society, according to the UNDP announcement.
Popa points out that violence against women is a global phenomenon.
"This year, the European Commission also proposed a new legal act. For the first time, EU rules will be defined for the fight against violence at all levels, including online violence. This is a big step forward," she said.
He emphasizes that they are very concerned about the increased frequency of femicide and violence against women and children in Montenegro, which was reported last year.
"We are also particularly disturbed by the growing misogyny expressed publicly and online," Popa said.
He adds that the police, prosecutor's office, centers for social work and medical services must improve their coordination and support, in order to deal with cases of gender-based violence in a timely, systematic and coordinated manner.
"We expect the Montenegrin authorities to place gender equality and the elimination of gender-based violence at the very top of their plans," she concluded.
US Ambassador Judy Reising Reinke said that we all abhor this violence, but violence against women and girls remains one of the most widespread violations of human rights around the world.
As he says, "unfortunately, the World Health Organization estimates that one in three women has experienced or will experience gender-based violence during their lifetime. This violence includes sexual, physical, mental and economic harm and injury".
Rajnke emphasizes that when women suffer, the psychological scars of such violence can persist for generations.
"Unfortunately, during the past few years, in Montenegro, I have seen harassment and attacks directed against brave Montenegrin women from public life, including those who are active in journalism, politics and civil society," added Rajnke.
Therefore, he warns, "it is worrying that this outrageous behavior is not improving, and there is a fear that it could get worse."
"There should be zero tolerance for such behavior. We should raise our voices and fight together. Violence against women and their harassment have no role in the Euro-Atlantic future of Montenegro," concluded Rajnke.
Gašparikova noticed that we talk about violence against women often, but not enough.
As he says, "the devastating statistics tell us that it is high time for the entire society to react".
He adds that "many years were needed to raise awareness of the issue of violence against women in Montenegrin society. So today we have more and more citizens who are ready to react and be part of joint efforts to eliminate violence".
Gašparikova points out that we all have to make continuous efforts and capacities of institutions, in order to provide support to services for victims of violence and raise awareness of the importance of zero tolerance to violence.
"Violence is one of the most serious forms of violation of human rights. That is why we do not tolerate violence and do not turn our heads," Gašparikova emphasized.
The week of gender equality, which opened a dialogue on the status of women and social norms that condition gender differences in political, social, economic and cultural life, ends today, the announcement concludes.
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