Having greeted the assembly, Committee Chairman Meho Omerovic underlined the importance of the topic, stating that, since the beginning of 2015, 26 women had been killed by domestic violence.

The MPs then went on to make suggestions and proposals on how to prevent domestic violence. They stressed that medical professionals, as stipulated in the Criminal Code, are duty bound to report violence to the appropriate authorities viz. the police who then refer it to the prosecution for further processing. They said that the offenders’ aggression can be detected in childhood and it is necessary to find a way to control it and use educational influences. Prevention of domestic violence ending in death should begin in early childhood, through kindergarten and school where it is very important to recognise the future adult who will find it difficult to control his aggression. The cultural model makes it difficult for women to speak out on the violence they suffer because they want to protect their children or because they are ashamed that others would find out. The participants also discussed instituting stricter penal policy toward violent offenders and rapists, with suggestions such as chemical castration for rapists. They said that though the legislative framework exists, it is not employed often enough.

The MPs also stressed that the Ministry of Justice has drafted a platform which is a transitional document in the resolution of domestic violence and sex crimes. The document is short and calls for clear action with specific proposals. The state bodies and other institutions need to coordinate their efforts, cooperate and exchange information in the field, and some suggested that every basic prosecutor’s office should set up specialised domestic violence task forces headed by deputy public prosecutors. They also said that teachers need to be trained to educate children that the family is a vital element of society, grounded in love and respect.

At the end of the sitting, the Committee adopted conclusions that are to be sent to the Government and relevant ministries as recommendations.

In addition to the MPs, the sitting was attended by representatives of the ministries, non-governmental sector and relevant institutions.

The sitting was chaired by Committee Chairman Meho Omerovic.