Conclusions, plans and preparations. Concrete legal solutions that would tighten the punishments for the attackers, introduce the concept of femicide and protect the victims – for now, are still pending. It is being done, says the federal government. After the adoption of the draft law on protection against domestic violence, everything stopped. The reason for the complicated procedure and divided jurisdiction.
Protest marches, slogans for justice, days of mourning and then silence. A public problem becomes a private matter again. The problems that victims of domestic violence carry on their shoulders while they wait for their lives and life-important issues to be put on the agenda for politicians. The proposal of the Law on protection against domestic violence in the Federation has not yet been adopted. It has been in the procedure for months and is waiting for concrete political action, and there are many reasons.
“The responsibilities are divided and a minimum consent of six cantons is required in order for the law to be acceptable and to meet the conditions for its adoption in the Parliament. It has not yet been completed and this law has been in place for 7-8 months”, says Igor Stojanović, Vice President of FBiH.
And while the papers have been in the procedure for months, gathering dust and waiting for their turn, because the priority is numerous appointments, there is a lot of talk about prevention, but little is done. Thus, in the focus of the speech of the Federal Minister of Justice, Vedran Škobić, prevention came to the top of the priorities, along with the announcement of new changes to the law. But not the systematic treatment of femicide as a separate crime.
“The goal of the changes in the law is for the abuser to go to prison, and for the woman to stay at home. I think this is the best way to deal with domestic violence. Femicide as a legal institution in the criminal code would not solve those problems in particular”, believes Minister Škobić.
Many problems, initiatives to solve them significantly less. However, even in crisis situations, we should not resort to Ad hoc solutions, but instead put systemic long-term sustainable solutions on the table.
“This year, we will launch the law on social services, which will introduce standards when it comes to social protection service providers. This year, the budget for financing the operation of safe houses was increased. I hope that the amount will be increased in the next budget as well”, said Adnan Delić, Minister of Labor and Social Policy of the FBiH (NiP).
But how much has the new government in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina done for victims of domestic violence? While ministers and parliamentarians brag about the good atmosphere and future reforms, the opposition does not budge from its well-known position. Only those who were ready last year got their turn.
“I copied the law from the EU for them to adopt, however, we are witnessing the general inaction of the Federal Parliament. We have a clear plan as the DF Club to present that law in the procedure,” says Mahir Mešalić, DF representative in the House of Representatives of FBiH.
Whether the government will turn a deaf ear to the slogans and demands of the citizens or will resort to concrete steps will be clearer tomorrow when a meeting is expected at the Federal Ministry of Justice. When asked to start a search for a systemic solution, the rulers can offer two answers. Put this case in the old drawer or act and place the issue of domestic violence at the top of the priority list.
