The National Network Against Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence expresses its deep regret over yet another woman’s life lost as a result of inadequate and untimely action by the competent institutions.
Yesterday we witnessed yet another murder of a woman (femicide – murder of a woman in gender-based violence) and murder of her father (murder in domestic violence) in Veles, which is a consequence of the evasion of the institutions responsible for dealing with violence against women.
From the information that was reported by the media after this tragic event, it is learned that there was a history of continuous intimate partner violence (a form of gender-based violence), that the victim repeatedly reported the perpetrator to the police due to threats against her and her father’s lives, that there was a threat to her safety, through serious threats made by the perpetrator, and even on one occasion her car was set on fire. From what the media reported, there is information that the murdered woman, when reporting the violence, sought protection from police officers, emphasizing the threats and her fear that she could be killed, but unfortunately, the institutions, despite clear rules for risk assessment, in this case clearly failed to adequately assess the risk to the safety and life of the victim and her loved ones, which is why the entire case ended with the murder of a woman (femicide – murder of a woman in gender-based violence) and the murder of the victim’s father (murder in domestic violence)!
This case is yet another confirmation that:
- The Ministry of Interior and the Centers for Social Work do not have developed and efficient tools for risk assessment;
- Reports from female victims are not treated with seriousness and urgency;
- The system has once again left the woman alone with the perpetrator, which is why we have another case that ended with fatal consequences.
WE DEMAND:
- An urgent, thorough and objective investigation into who was obliged to act on the victim’s reports, respecting the principle of due diligence, and thus preventing the double murder;
- Responsibility and sanctions for all competent persons who did not act in accordance with the law;
- Urgent start with strengthening the risk assessment capacities in the Ministry of Interior and the Social Welfare Center, which will enable early recognition, appropriate risk assessment and prevention of such cases.
- Allocating sufficient financial resources to ensure comprehensive protection of women victims of violence, i.e. establishing and ensuring sustainability of specialized services for assistance and support to women and children victims of gender-based and domestic violence.
Femicide is not an “isolated case” – it is a direct consequence of the state’s ignorant attitude towards violence against women. Every measure not taken, every report ignored, every delayed action costs a life. This woman’s life could and had to be saved. The system must take responsibility.
