Strengthening the capacity of judicial professionals to handle cases of violence against women and girls in a victim-centered manner is essential to preventing secondary victimization and ensuring fair trials. As the OSCE Mission to Montenegro marks 20 years of co-operation with national institutions this year, it continues to support joint efforts to strengthen the institutional responses to such violence.
In this context, the Mission, in co-operation with the Supreme Court and the Centre for Training in Judiciary and State Prosecution Service, organized a court simulation training in Budva from 9 to 11 October for 15 judicial and prosecutorial advisors on handling cases of violence against women and girls. Now in its fourth consecutive year, the simulation aims to strengthen institutional responses to violence against women and girls.
Building on previous simulations on femicide, rape, stalking and marital rape, this year's exercise focused on the practical application of international and national legal standards through a mock trial involving a case of violence against women and girls. Participants examined the key stages of criminal proceedings, including the assessment of evidence, the preparation of an indictment, the main hearing and the delivery of a judgment.
Opening the event, Ms. Ljiljana Perkušić, Democratization Programme Manager of the OSCE Mission, highlighted the relevance of this year's exercise in translating legal standards into practice, particularly in light of recent amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code, which further strengthen the victim-centered approach.
Ms. Gordana Nikolić, Head of the Specialized Training Department at the Centre for Training in Judiciary and State Prosecution Service, expressed her gratitude to the Mission and the Supreme Court for their continued co-operation in organizing the training. She noted that the exercise provided valuable learning opportunities and contributed to reducing the risk of secondary victimization, while strengthening the capacity of the judiciary to address cases involving women who have experienced domestic violence.
Ms. Bojana Bandović, advisor to the Supreme Court, noted that the simulation served as a platform for exchanging experiences and good practices, while also raising awareness of the complexity and seriousness of cases involving violence against women and girls. She emphasized the importance of addressing these cases without prejudice or stereotypes, with full respect for the dignity of victims and the principles of a fair trial.
