Judges and prosecutors from across Montenegro came together on 15-16 May for a specialised training aimed at improving the justice system’s response to domestic violence and violence against women. Organised in cooperation with the Judicial Training Centre, the workshop focused on strengthening the capacity of legal professionals to handle gender-based violence cases with greater sensitivity and consistency.

The training covered key topics such as victim protection, evidence handling in sensitive cases, victim-centered approaches, and the application of relevant national and international legal frameworks, particularly concerning the Istanbul Convention standards. Participants engaged in expert-led discussions and practical exercises on practical application of recent amendments to the criminal legislation in Montenegro, while also deepening their understanding of the complex dynamics of domestic and gender-based violence.

This initiative marked a step forward in enhancing the judges’ and prosecutions´ response to violence against women, reinforcing their critical role in safeguarding victims' rights and promoting accountability.

The event forms part of broader efforts to combat gender-based violence and ensure that the justice system is both responsive and accessible to all.

This initiative is supported in the framework of the action “Strengthening accountability of the judicial system and enhancing protection of victims’ rights in Montenegro”,  part of the joint European Union and Council of Europe programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye” which is enabling the Beneficiaries to meet their reform agendas in the fields of human rights, rule of law and democracy and to comply with European standards.