At the session of the House of Parliament, the Federation of BiH, the proposal of the new Law on Protection against Domestic Violence and Violence against women was adopted.
This law is necessary for the implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention and Fight against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, which must be incorporated into the legislation of the Federation of BiH.
Although the proposal of the law was adopted in the House of Representatives, that the new provisions entered into force, it is necessary to approve them and the House of the Peoplement of the Federation of BiH. This Law is expected to replace the current Law on Protection against Domestic Violence this year.
Increased responsibility and competencies in the protection of victims of violence
By voting this law, deputies supported the introduction of urgent protection measures to implement the police, including the possibility of electronic supervision of the bully, which is far from the apartment and is prohibited by approaching the victim. The new law also introduces the criminal offense of violation of protective measures with imprisonment for up to three years, thus tightening criminal policy for perpetrators of domestic violence and violence against women.
The Federal Ministry of Justice developed the proposal of the new law
The draft Law on Family Violence was prepared in 2022. year by the Gender Equality Commission, and Alma Kratina and Vibor Handzic. After the collection of suggestions, the Federal Ministry of Justice was prepared by the proposal of the new law, which introduced sharper penalties for perpetrators of violence and money measures for victim protection.
Newspapers in the Law: Greater Powers for Police and Protection of Women and Children
The Minister of Justice Vedran Škobić pointed out that the new law gives the police to the wider authority, including the obligatory exit to the site immediately after the application of violence. Police can now temporarily deprive of freedoms of persons suspected of violence. Also, the law prescribes greater responsibilities of all institutions involved in the fight against domestic violence, including social work centers, educational institutions, police and judicial bodies.
Introduction of SOS lines to support victims of violence
The law also envisages the establishment of a 24-hour free SOS telephone line that will provide support and advice to violence victims throughout the Federation of BiH. This line, with the help of the Federal Ministry of Transport and Communications, will enable victims of violence confidential support and assistance in connection with various forms of violence.
