In a certain number of cases, the police did not adequately assess the risk, did not go to the scene to investigate the victim's allegations and collect information from witnesses, the victim of violence was not subjected to medical treatment, these are just some of the problems registered by the Operational Team for Combating Domestic Violence and of violence against women.
That government body, which includes representatives of state institutions and the civil sector, in the half-yearly report emphasizes that it is necessary to improve coordination between institutions that deal with the protection of victims of violence, but also to improve the legal framework in order to more effectively sanction perpetrators of violence, the work of centers for social work , as well as providing better health and social support for victims.
"The operational team, analyzing specific cases of domestic violence, noticed a series of failures in the work of centers for social work, specifically in Podgorica, which indicated the need to improve their actions in such situations. Based on these findings, the team concluded that it is necessary to launch an initiative to adopt instructions that would precisely regulate the work of centers for social work in cases of domestic violence. This instruction would be aimed at the application of valid protocols and the preparation of findings and opinions of social workers in specific cases of violence. One of the key recommendations of the Operational Team is to suggest to social work centers that, when preparing reports and giving opinions, they place special emphasis on the psychological and emotional state of the victim, as well as on her relationship with children and other family members," the report states. .
The team, the document claims, recognized that the emotional stability and psychological health of the victim is far more important for assessing her situation than the material and hygienic conditions in which the victim lives.
"This aspect is especially important in the context of the long-term recovery of the victim and the protection of children, who often suffer serious consequences, even when they are not directly exposed to violence. The instruction should contain guidelines that will oblige social workers to prioritize the emotional and psychological state of the victim, including the level of stress, trauma and possible psychological problems, as well as the impact of violence on children and overall family dynamics. Also, the instruction should include recommendations on the ways in which social workers should assess relationships within the family, because these relationships can be crucial in recognizing the level of vulnerability of the victim and the need for further intervention," the document points out.
It was also emphasized that the instruction should specify how social workers cooperate with the police, judiciary, health institutions and other relevant institutions, in order to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated response to violence.
In the document, it is recalled that the Operational Team initiated the Ministry of Health to send a letter to all health institutions with the aim of providing priority provision of health services to victims of domestic violence and victims of sexual offenses in the public health system.
"The recommendation, which was successfully implemented, envisages that these vulnerable categories of patients will be treated with special attention and that they will receive priority over other patients when admitted to health institutions, which enables faster and more efficient medical support, as well as greater protection of the victims' privacy , which would prevent and avoid the possible secondary victimization of a victim of violence... This letter is not only a formal recommendation, but also a reminder of the previously held meetings signed agreement between non-governmental organizations dealing with the protection of women victims of violence and the Clinical Center of Montenegro Above," the document explains.
That initiative, it is stated, gave immediately visible results.
"...Because during the provision of confidential services by the employees of the Safe Women's House, progress was noticed in the behavior of the employees in the Emergency Center, in a way that examinations are completed significantly faster, as well as in the attitude of medical workers towards women who have experienced violence. Namely, in several recent cases, doctors ensured privacy during the examination, asked questions with empathy and without judgment, and referred female patients with experience of violence to other organizations/institutions that can provide them with help and support", the document states.
The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women was celebrated around the world yesterday.
The independent expert group of the Council of Europe, which is in charge of monitoring the implementation of the Istanbul Convention (GREVIO), recently warned in a report that Montenegro must improve the quality of investigations and criminal proceedings, as well as the quality of protection of victims of violence.
Although the country has achieved significant progress in the fight against violence against women, it is stated, gender stereotypes are still present in all spheres of society, including the media and politics, which affects the attitudes of professionals who work with victims or perpetrators of violence, such as police officers, prosecutors, judges, social and health workers.
LGBT forum Progres: Women who suffer violence are not alone
Providing support to women who have survived violence is not only the responsibility of institutions, but of the whole society, the LGBT forum Progres said yesterday.
The NGO announced that violence against women remains one of the most prevalent violations of human rights in the world and in Montenegro.
"Unfortunately, many women experience various forms of violence every day - physical, psychological, economic or sexual and often remain silent due to stigma and fear," they said on the occasion of the International Day Against Violence Against Women.
LGBT Forum Progres points out that in Montenegro the number of reported cases of violence is increasing, but the number of unreported cases is even higher.
According to them, it is necessary to ensure that every woman who is a victim of violence has access to safe and effective support mechanisms.
LGBT forum Progres told all women who suffer violence that they are not alone.
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