On March 8–9, the Autonomous Women's Center organized a seminar for women's organizations at the Moxy Hotel in Belgrade, focusing on the best interests of the child in the context of domestic violence. The seminar, Children as Witnesses and Victims of Domestic Violence: Best Interests of the Child, Understanding Trauma, and Institutional Responses, was attended by more than 30 representatives of women's organizations from Serbia.

The goal of the seminar was to provide participants—who had previously become familiar with issues related to the use of the pseudoscientific concept of "parental alienation"—with information on the key characteristics of child abuse trauma, the harm it causes to children of different ages, and methods for assessing child abuse, particularly the sexual abuse of young children. Additionally, the seminar addressed how the use of harmful, unscientific concepts contributes to institutional violence in court proceedings regarding child custody and contact arrangements with the non-resident parent.

The first day of the seminar focused on the traumatic experiences of abused children. Psychologist Dr. Branka Radojević presented key principles for assessing child abuse, including sexual abuse, based on the child's current behavior and functioning, as well as their needs and risks. She also highlighted problematic aspects of standard forensic evaluations, especially concerning preschool-aged children, and discussed how children's statements can help determine whether abuse has occurred.

On the second day, participants had the opportunity to hear from representatives of Slovenia's P.E.N.D. Association. Its president, Barbara Pia Hrovat, spoke about challenges in protecting the best interests of the child in civil custody disputes and contact arrangements with the non-resident parent, including the use of concepts that contribute to institutional violence. Three court cases were presented to participants, including a European Court of Human Rights verdict against Slovenia.

Participants showed great interest, particularly regarding the topic of child sexual abuse trauma. The discussion revealed a lack of adequate training for social protection workers on this issue. Attendees raised numerous questions and comments, shared examples of challenges they face in practice, and expressed interest in attending further training on related topics.

The seminar Children as Witnesses and Victims of Domestic Violence: Best Interests of the Child, Understanding Trauma, and Institutional Responses was organized as part of the Strong resistance movement of women defenders of human rights for the protection of women victims/survivors of gender-based violence and their children financed by the European Union.