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Marina Živaljević



The findings of the “Analysis of verdicts of misdemeanour courts in Montenegro in the field of domestic violence and gender-based violence with reference to the practice of the Ombudsman and the European Court of Human Rights” were presented at an online event on 27 April 2021. The authors of the analysis are Nebojša Vučinić, human rights professor; Siniša Bjeković, Ombudsperson of Montenegro and his advisers Dina Knežević and Nemanja Dujović.

The OSCE Mission to Montenegro agreed to support the Office of the Protector of Human Rights and Freedoms in preparing an analysis of outcomes of cases of domestic violence and gender-based violence in misdemeanour courts.  

Siv-Katrine Leirtroe, Acting Head of Mission, said that in the months following the outbreak of COVID-19, data showed that there was an increase in the number of reported domestic violence cases, both in Montenegro and globally. “Data collection and analysis is at the basis of any further assistance to shape and enhance effective policies and responses for the benefit of potential victims and survivors. For this reason, I am convinced that this work represents a good basis to integrate the principles of gender equality into courts’ procedures and practices in cases of domestic violence and violence against women,” said Leirtroe.

The authors chose to examine decisions from various misdemeanour courts, as they have the highest volume of violent crimes. “From this analysis of decisions from these courts, we can understand better the key elements and actors of violence, determining their origin and status, and other circumstances of the cases. This will helpful in developing policies to address some of the underlying issues of violence. We hope for inspiration based on the issues that are open here,” said Bjeković.

The OSCE Mission stands ready to support institutions and civil society organizations in promoting gender equal in society with zero tolerance towards gender-based violence.