Joint Programme

Horizontal Facility

Representatives of the Montenegrin judiciary gathered in Podgorica for a two-day training aimed at strengthening the institutional response to domestic violence and violence against women, with a particular focus on improving cooperation and coordinated action in cases involving violence against women.

Organised by the Training Center for the Judiciary and State Prosecutor’s Office, with the support of the Council of Europe Programme Office, the training highlighted the importance of continuous and mandatory education for all professionals working with victims of violence, as well as the need for co-ordinated action among institutions.

During the training special attention was dedicated to the practical application of international standards and new legal solutions, including victim protection, the collection of evidence in sensitive cases, the prevention of secondary victimisation, and the application of a trauma-informed approach.

Strengthening the capacities of institutions and continuous education represent key prerequisites for more effective protection of victims and for building a fair and accountable judicial system.

The two-day training was implemented as part of the 2026 Continuous Training Programme for Judges and Public Prosecutors and supported through the Actions “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.”