Montenegro’s system for protecting victims of domestic violence and violence against women continues to fall short of providing adequate, timely and comprehensive support, according to the latest semi-annual report by the Operational Team for Combating Domestic Violence and Violence Against Women. Covering the period from October 1, 2025, to April 1, 2026, the report identifies significant institutional weaknesses, inconsistent practices among social welfare centres, police, prosecutors, and courts, and insufficient inter-agency cooperation that directly affects victims’ safety.
The report highlights systemic issues rather than isolated incidents, particularly in cases involving children or a high risk of repeated violence. It points to uneven standards among social welfare centers, inadequate communication between institutions, delays in responding to threats, and cases where authorities fail to initiate proceedings despite available evidence if victims are unwilling or unable to testify.
While some progress has been noted in the work of prosecutors and individual police units, the Operational Team stresses that courts and other institutions still lack a coordinated, integrated approach to victim protection. The report calls for urgent reforms, including stronger intersectoral cooperation, continuous professional training, enhanced institutional capacities, and regular coordination meetings in high-risk cases.
The report also raises concerns about the enforcement of protective measures and warns that institutional action should begin before violence escalates into tragedy.
According to the Operational Team, meaningful change will depend on the willingness of the entire system to act proactively, consistently and in a coordinated way.
