We would like to inform you that a round table will be held at the Human Rights House, Selska cesta 112 c, Zagreb, on February 21, 2011, starting at 12:30 p.m.
Legal regulations on domestic violence in the Republic of Croatia - harmonization with international standards
Despite the fact that domestic violence is legally sanctioned in Croatia and that various activities are being undertaken to prevent it, it is evident that violence is escalating, as evidenced by the increase in the number of murders of women as victims of domestic violence. The shortcomings in the actions of the institutions of the Republic of Croatia in the field of protection against domestic violence were also discussed in the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights: the cases of Tomašić and Maksimović v. Croatia.
Do we have poor, insufficient legal solutions in the area of protection from domestic violence, or is the problem in law enforcement? How do law enforcement agencies distinguish whether a specific act of violence is a misdemeanor or a criminal offense, and are the criteria well-founded? Does the victim of domestic violence feel protected in the proceedings and who protects the rights and interests of the victim? Are protective measures imposed and who even supervises their implementation? Do the sentences and protective measures imposed in the existing protection system truly contribute to preventing and ending violence?
We have only listed some of the issues that raise doubts, and we believe that they should be discussed further. We are primarily obliged to do so by the tragic cases of violence that continue to occur among us. For their sake and for the sake of all possible future victims, we must seek new and better legal solutions and new, more effective implementation.
The round table therefore provides an opportunity for a quality discussion on the compliance of Croatian legislation and practice with international standards with the aim of finding efficient solutions. Relevant Croatian and foreign experts will participate in it.
The round table is organized as part of the program Counseling center for the prevention, mediation and suppression of all forms of violent behavior in the family, with financial support from the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of the Republic of Croatia.
invitation_and_programme_of_the_round_table_on_domestic_violence.doc