Advocates say legal reforms insufficient as femicide persists

November 25 marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. So far this year, 15 women have been killed in Croatia, 11 of them by their partners. 

Experts note that femicide is one of the most predictable forms of murder, and say timely action by authorities is crucial to protecting women at risk.

Maja Mamula of the women’s rights group Women’s Room says far fewer women report abuse than those who experience it. Many stay silent out of fear of being judged, not believed, or forced into a lengthy legal process. While some progress has been made, Mamula says serious issues remain.

“The laws are not being applied properly in practice, nor does the system provide adequate support to victims, in line with the Council of Europe’s Convention on preventing violence against women and domestic violence,” Mamula said.

She noted that although every county now has a women’s shelter, not all meet the standards required under the Convention.

Justice Minister Damir Habijan said Croatia has made significant progress in updating legislation and speeding up legal procedures, stressing that cases of violence against women and domestic violence are now fast-tracked.

Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković also addressed the issue in Parliament.

“There must be no excuse or tolerance for violence against women and girls. I encourage everyone—especially us men, as fathers, husbands, brothers, friends and colleagues—to reflect this message in our daily behavior,” he said.

Experts emphasize that combating violence against women requires work on three fronts: prevention, victim support, and punishment of perpetrators.