PM says domestic violence should be treated as crime, punished more strictly

Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic on Saturday took part in a Zagreb protest for stronger protection of victims of domestic violence, saying violence should be treated as a crime and that punishment should be stricter as that was the only way "to reduce this phenomenon, which is really big in society."

Speaking to reporters at the #SaveMe rally, Plenkovic said he did not consider it a protest but an initiative he supported.

He recalled that on March 8 last year he announced the ratification of the Istanbul Convention and that his main arguments in its favour had been very similar to those heard at today's rally.

Domestic violence is the first true problem of the tissue of our society

Plenkovic said domestic violence was an everyday phenomenon happening to many women and children, "which is the first true problem of the tissue of our society."

He reiterated the five main messages he made in parliament ahead of the ratification of the Istanbul Convention last year to show that the government was applying European mechanisms in the prevention of domestic violence and victim protection.

The goals are stronger prevention, stricter punishment for perpetrators, greater support and care for victims, strengthening all the institutions involved in this issue, and raising public awareness, Plenkovic said.

He said he had tasked Justice Minister Drazen Bosnjakovic with drawing up amendments to the Penal Code to increase punishment and to make sure the police, whenever possible, qualified violence as a crime and not a misdemeanor.

Demography, Family, Youth and Social Policy Minister Nada Murganic will continue to work on improving the implementation of the national strategy for protection from domestic violence, including by increasing funding for hotlines and safe houses, Plenkovic said.

He said he and his ministers would meet with representatives of the #SaveMe initiative on Monday and ask that civil society organisations and NGOs continue contributing to dealing with this problem. He said he had come today as prime minister as well as a citizen concerned for victims of violence, and that it was good that individuals, groups of citizens and the government worked on the problem together.

Penal Code could be amended by summer

Asked when the Penal Code could be amended, Plenkovic said the amendments would not be extensive, applying to only several articles, and that "it could be done by the summer recess."

He said it was necessary to raise awareness among judges with regard to domestic violence and to prioritise the prosecution of such crimes by better organising the work of courts, with the support of the Justice Ministry.

Asked if the public could expect his cabinet to do everything to prevent and reduce violence, Plenkovic said they were doing their best and that domestic violence did not start yesterday and would not stop tomorrow as it was facilitated by new technologies. "It's time we all make a step forward together, fully aware that we are doing something good."

Minister Murganic is doing a very good job

Asked to comment on the criticisms of Minister Murganic, notably regarding her statements about domestic violence, and the fact that one of the demands at today's protest was her resignation, Plenkovic said he had not heard this demand and that the minister had apologised for the statements.

He said Murganic's job, dealing with welfare, families, demography and youth, was "demanding" and that "she is doing a very good job, resolving problems and giving her all."

As for criticisms that Murganic's department was understaffed, Plenkovic said salaries were raised at her initiative and that, as of July, more money were set aside from the national budget and the European Social Fund.

Text: Hina

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