The number of criminal reports for domestic violence in Montenegro in 2024 was around 830, which is twice as many as the previous year, according to data from the Police Directorate. According to statistics, women are still the most common victims of violence.
Psychologist Ana Jaredić from the Center for Women's Rights tells Boje jutra on TV Vijesti that the increase in reports may be the result of greater encouragement for women to report violence, but also a consequence of the amendments to the Criminal Code from December 2023, which more clearly define the difference between misdemeanors and criminal offenses. Also, a new binding instruction for prosecutors in handling these cases plays an important role.
According to an analysis by the Women's Rights Center, courts handled 2024 cases in 796 – 443 more than the previous year. Women most often turn to the Center after reporting violence, especially when there are complications regarding visitation of children.
"Women must know that they have the right to a life free from violence - both they and their children. They can contact us just for information, even if they are not sure they want to take legal action," Jaredić said.
The Center for Women's Rights points out that the recommendations of the Istanbul Convention are still not taken into account in the procedures, especially regarding the presence of children in violence, and warns of the danger of neglecting this aspect.
Bonus video:
