SUPPORTING VICTIMS OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM

Authors

  • Slađana Jovanović

Keywords:

gender-based violence, domestic violence, victim, witness, protection, support, criminal proceedings

Abstract

The paper is focused on the actual status of victims of gender-based violence (with emphasis on domestic violence) in Serbia regarding the efforts made in the field of gender equality and victim support and protection (recently adopted National Strategy for Preventing and Combating Gender-Based Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, as well as the National Strategy on the Rights of Victims and Witnesses of Crime, and the Law on Domestic Violence Prevention). The emphasize is on the empirical data gathered in previously and recently conducted researches on victims’ satisfaction and needs articulated by their own experience from contacts with different state agencies, as well as on the requirements and recommendations of the Victims of Crime Directive 2012/29/EU and Istanbul Convention. Quality of the first contact with victim, offering relevant, useful information, efficient support and protection are of the great importance not just for victims themselves, but also in proving criminal offences of gender-based violence in criminal proceedings. Adequately treated victim will more likely become reliable witness.

References

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Published

2021-11-26

Issue

Section

Criminalistic and Criminal Justice Aspects in Solving and Proving of Criminal Of