The Ministry of Family Care and Demography held a public hearing on the Draft Law on Amendments to the Law on Financial Support for Families with Children from July 15 to August 5, 2024. The Autonomous Women's Center sent suggestions on the proposed supplements and amendments.

The increase in benefits for newborn children was welcomed, but concerns were expressed that it could have a negative impact on women from certain social groups, including women with the experience of violence (being forced to give birth). The need to expand the existing decision that the perpetrator of domestic violence will not be considered a family member (to all acts listed in Article 4 of the Law on Prevention of Domestic Violence) was pointed out . It was also pointed at the unregulated situation in the Law when compensation is received by the father of the child who, after the adoption of the Decision, became a perpetrator of domestic violence or other acts from Art. 4 of the Law on Prevention of Domestic Violence.

The AWC expressed the opinion that this Draft Law also contains a discriminatory provision in relation to children, because it does not allow them to realize their guaranteed rights due to the actions of their parents, which they cannot influence.

The proposal of the AWC that child allowance be prescribed for all children whose mothers were killed by their current or former spouse, common-law spouse or partner or other family members, and who are cared for by relatives, is particularly well-reasoned, as well as that this right should not depend on the financial situation of the relatives who care for them. Considering the number of those children, it was proposed that the provision be applied retroactively, so that it would include all minor children of murdered women.

The Ministry did not accept any proposal of the Autonomous Women's Center.  In the report on the conducted public debate, the rejection of the AWC proposal is not explained, whereas the explanation of one proposal is completely inappropriate (incorrect). It is obvious that there was no will of the relevant ministries to respect the life circumstances of women who experienced violence, as well as the rights of children, so that the state would do everything in its power to improve their status.

You can see the AWC comments and suggestions form in Serbian HERE.

You can see the report on the public debate on the Draft Amendments to the Law on Financial Support for Families with Children in Serbian HERE.