In Montenegro, a memorandum of cooperation was signed between the Supreme State Prosecutor’s Office (VDT) and the Center for Women’s Rights (CŽP) aiming to improve the protection of victims of domestic violence. This collaboration promises that institutions will finally stand by the victims and ensure them access to justice and adequate protection. The memorandum foresees joint trainings, workshops, and public campaigns to raise awareness about violence prevention and victim protection. VDT and CŽP will exchange knowledge and experience, strengthen the prosecution’s capacity to apply international and domestic standards, including the Istanbul Convention. While this sounds like a step forward, the question remains how much this cooperation will truly change things on the ground, where victims often remain alone with their problems. The memorandum also emphasizes respect for the independence of the prosecutorial function and protection of the rights of all participants in the proceedings, including personal data protection. Planned activities are expected to contribute to more efficient and quality handling of domestic violence cases, better intersectoral cooperation, and timely protection of victims. Although this is an official step towards better protection, it remains to be seen how it will be implemented in practice and whether victims will finally receive the support they deserve. If you have an opinion or have already experienced the system, drop a comment – let’s see if this is truly a revolution or just another paper gathering dust.
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