The OSCE mission in Montenegro announced that it provided support to the Safe Women's House and SOS Podgorica - non-governmental organizations that run shelters for victims of domestic violence.
As stated in the statement of the OSCE Mission, the support to the Safe Women's House enabled the creation of a register of cases of violence, while the support of SOS Podgorica, which includes surveillance equipment, will provide additional security to those staying in the shelter.
They add that the executive director of the NGO Safe Women's House Budislavka Mira Saveljić pointed out that systematic data collection is an important component in the processing of cases of violence against women and one of the essential technical prerequisites for effective analysis of policy implementation and identification of trends for the purpose of raising awareness and public advocacy.
"The electronic database will facilitate the work of our professionals, as well as the collection of data on victims of violence," said Saveljić.
The executive director of the NGO SOS Podgorica, Biljana Zeković, as she writes in the press release, pointed out that the surveillance equipment will contribute to the greater safety of shelter users.
"Safety measures in shelters are crucial to ensure protection and encourage women to feel comfortable and safe as they reflect on their situation, recover from abuse and make plans for the future," Zekovic said.
Head of Mission Dominik Vag emphasized that shelters are essential for providing a range of protection and support services necessary to help and protect victims of violence.
"The need for accommodation is often the most urgent and critical for victims. I am convinced that this equipment will ensure that shelters remain a safe haven for women and their children," emphasized Vag.
The Mission adds that this year three non-governmental organizations that received support from the OSCE Mission in Montenegro - including the Safe Women's House and SOS Podgorica - managed to obtain national permits for shelters for women who are victims of violence.
"The mission will continue to cooperate with civil society and institutions in ensuring a policy of zero tolerance towards violence against women," they conclude in the statement.
Bonus video:
