The introduction of the criminal offense of femicide and stronger protection of women are key steps in combating gender-based violence and overcoming the problem of lenient penal policy, it was assessed at a panel dedicated to improving the legislative framework in this area.
It was emphasized that the introduction of femicide would contribute to the imposition of stricter penalties for the most severe forms of violence against women, but would also have a strong preventive effect, acting as a deterrent to potential perpetrators.
The panel “Addressing Femicide: Legal Framework and Practice of EU States” was organized by the Ministry of European Affairs, in cooperation with the non-governmental organization “Center for Women’s Rights”.
Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević stated that without real protection of women it is not possible to speak about a strong state and the full implementation of the principles of the rule of law.
“We must ensure that everything we do as institutions is directed toward making it easier for victims to access protection and support from the system. In such situations, the state must demonstrate the highest level of responsibility and readiness to respond,” said Gorčević.
She emphasized that combating gender-based violence requires coordinated action by all institutions.
“Institutions must act together, not only through amendments to laws and the sanctioning of violence, but also through building a system that will recognize the problem in time and provide full protection to victims,” Gorčević said.
Minister of Justice Bojan Božović stated that Montenegro is one step away from introducing femicide into the Criminal Code and that the opinion of the European Commission on the proposed amendments is currently awaited.
“We are waiting for the opinion of the European Commission and I believe it is a matter of days before we receive it. After that, we will immediately initiate further procedures so that the amendments to the law can be sent to the Parliament as soon as possible,” Božović said.
He emphasized that the sanction itself is not enough.
“Femicide is only the tip of the iceberg. A sanction comes only when the most severe outcome occurs, while our goal is to react much earlier, to protect the victim in time and to change social patterns that normalize violence,” Božović said.
President of the Committee for Gender Equality in the Parliament of Montenegro Jelenka Andrić stated that violence against women must not be treated as a private matter, nor can it be justified by any excuses.
“Femicide is almost always preceded by violence against women. If we have to react only when the most severe outcome occurs, then it is already too late,” Andrić said.
She also emphasized the importance of cooperation between institutions and the civil sector in combating gender-based violence.
“Almost every woman has at some point experienced some form of violence, although many have never reported it. That is why strong synergy between institutions and the non-governmental sector is necessary, along with a clear message that without decisive separation of the victim and the perpetrator there can be no real progress,” Andrić said.
Ambassador of Italy to Montenegro, H.E. Andreina Marsella, shared the experience of Italy, which recently introduced femicide into its legal system as an aggravating circumstance in cases of murder.
She emphasized that violence against women represents a social and institutional problem that requires a systemic response.
“The law is important, but it is not sufficient on its own. A holistic approach is necessary, one that also focuses on prevention. It is also important to respond to cases of violence and, in that sense, it is crucial that victims are protected so that it is easier for them to report their attackers,” Ambassador Marsella said.
Executive Director of the Center for Women’s Rights Maja Raičević pointed to the need for stronger systemic support for victims and their families.
“In our society, the most invisible victims of violence are often children. That is why, through amendments to the Criminal Code, we requested institutional and systemic support for children who are victims of femicide, including support in education and housing,” Raičević said.
She emphasized that the fight against violence against women cannot be reduced only to legal mechanisms.
“We cannot rely only on the legal framework; we must change attitudes and cultural patterns that normalize violence. Greater participation of women in politics contributes to these problems being spoken about more loudly and to sending clear messages to society,” Raičević said.
The panel was implemented within the EU4ME project financed by the European Union.
MINISTRY OF EUROPEAN AFFAIRS