Prosecutors in Sarajevo Canton have filed 62 indictments for domestic violence between January 1 and May 11 this year, highlighting the persistent scale of family violence across the region. However, officials warn that many cases still fail to reach court due to victims withdrawing cooperation out of fear and a lack of confidence in the protection system.
According to the Sarajevo Canton Prosecutor’s Office, courts ordered detention for 25 individuals over the past five months at the request of prosecutors, while 29 suspects were subjected to restraining orders and other protective measures aimed at preventing further violence.
Despite these actions, a significant number of investigations have been discontinued. Between January and mid-May alone, prosecutors issued 121 decisions ending proceedings, including 94 orders not to initiate investigations and 27 orders suspending investigations after victims exercised their legal right not to testify.
“The victim’s refusal to testify remains one of the biggest obstacles in prosecuting domestic violence cases,” the Prosecutor’s Office stated, noting that fear of retaliation and insufficient systemic support often discourage victims from cooperating with authorities.
Jadranka Miličević, director of the CURE Foundation, said many victims fear they will not be believed or protected. She emphasized that concerns about increased aggression from abusers, limited access to safe housing, and lengthy institutional procedures often force victims to abandon legal action.
Civil society organizations have also criticized the slow pace of court proceedings, citing delayed hearings and inadequate communication with victims. Miličević argued that faster implementation of protective measures is essential to prevent victims from returning to abusive environments due to financial hardship and prolonged legal battles.
Legal experts echo these concerns. Lawyer Adna Dobojlić noted that in more than half of domestic violence cases, victims eventually refuse to testify, leaving prosecutors with little choice but to suspend investigations.
Dobojlić called for systemic reforms, including automatic medical examinations following police interventions and stronger prosecutorial action regardless of a victim’s willingness to testify. “When domestic violence occurs once, there is a high likelihood it will happen again,” she warned.
Sociologist Vladimir Vasić believes the issue extends beyond the justice system. He argues that domestic violence continues to be viewed as a private family matter, while institutional responses often lack sensitivity and support for victims.
“There are cases where women seeking help receive cold or dismissive responses from institutions,” Vasić said. “The focus is often placed on the victim rather than on improving the systems responsible for protecting them.”
Recent legal reforms in Bosnia and Herzegovina recognize femicide as an aggravated form of murder punishable by up to 45 years in prison. Advocates, however, argue that while harsher penalties are important, they come only after the most tragic outcome has already occurred.
Experts and activists continue to call for stronger prevention measures, faster judicial processes, and more comprehensive support services to ensure victims can safely report abuse and pursue justice.
