Violence against women is a manifestation of historically unequal power relations between men and women, which have led to domination over and discrimination against women by men and to the prevention of the full advancement of women. Violence against women is one of the crucial social mechanisms by which women are forced into a subordinate position compared with men. Violence against women is an obstacle to the achievement of equality, development and peace.
Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women, Proclaimed by General Assembly resolution 48/104 of 20 December 1993
In November and December 2024, the Autonomous Women's Center presented its research findings and legal analysis on the concept of "parental alienation" in Belgrade, Niš, and Kragujevac. The findings were presented in meetings with professionals from social work and the judiciary.
On Friday, December 6, 2024, the Autonomous Women’s Center hosted a press conference at the Media Center to mark the International Day Against Femicide. Following the press conference, representatives of the Autonomous Women’s Center and Women in Black and allies from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia held a street action. They called for accountability for women killed in domestic and partner violence.
In order to support the continuous education of employees in institutions responsible for helping women in situations of violence, the Judicial Academy and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) held an expert meeting "Life in a cage without bars – Institutional response to the phenomenon of coercive control in the family – partnership relations". The meeting was attended by judges, prosecutors who lead groups for coordination and cooperation of competent institutions in cases of domestic violence, representatives of social welfare centers and police officers.
The reporting period, from May to October 2024, coincides with the first six months of work of the new Government of Serbia. The continuation of the reform process has not yet gained momentum. The exposé of the new prime minister interprets the priorities differently and aligns them with traditional values.