24 November 2011
Skopje
CONFERENCE: PROTECTION FROM FAMILY VIOLENCE
"Protection from domestic violence - women and family violence" was the theme of the conference held in Skopje within the twinning project for support of the Macedonian Ombudsman funded by the European Union pre-accession funds (IPA) in which partners are the Spanish National Ombudsman and French Mediator.
"There is more domestic violence in the Republic of Macedonia than the numbers of institutions are indicating. This is primarily due to traditional beliefs and mentality, lack of courage and uncertainty of the victim to resist violence. "- said in his speech at the opening of the Conference the Ombudsman Mr. Ixhet Memeti.
The Ombudsman stressed that there is a need for good communication and cooperation between all institutions that work in the field of domestic violence. "Communication is essential to succeed in dealing with this phenomenon. Therefore it is necessary to develop projects that will primarily aim to educate people about prevention and protection from domestic violence. "- said Mr. Memeti.
The Deputy Ombudsman, Ms. Nevenka Krusarovska speaking about the experiences from the work of the Ombudsman Office in the field of family violence noted that complaints regarding protection from domestic violence are often submitted by women who together with children are victims of such violence.
"The woman as a victim of domestic violence is discriminated and by that her basic human right to decent life is violated. Very often this kind of violence at the Ombudsman Office is reported by people who live in urban areas, and their complaints refer to the police authorities and competent centers because they are not taking protective measures. At the same time, in families where there is violence, children are victims no matter whether they were directly exposed or only witnessed violence."- said Ms. Krusarovska.
Regarding the experience from work in the field of protection from domestic violence spoke the Ombudsman of Aragon Mr. Fernando Vicente Garcia, while about the manner of dealing with domestic violence in France spoke Ms. Muriel d Godmon, Head of the Amnesty International Women Committee - France.
The Conference was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy, the National Coordinating Body for Combat against Family Violence, the Basic Court Skopje 2 - Skopje, Appellation Court and the Ministry of Interior.