Despite the government's efforts to curb violence against women, 19 women were killed in 2020, and eight women in the first eight months of this year, it was said on National Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

Last year, there were 1,578 domestic violence crimes reported. In most cases, the victims were women aged between 45 and 55, Interior Minister Davor Bozinovic told a conference on the approaches to protection against violence against women and domestic violence, which is dedicated to the prevention and education aimed at curbing gender-motivated violence.

Bozinovic: 91.5% of police officers have completed professional training

Bozinovic compared last year to 2015 when just 145 domestic violence crimes were reported, underscoring that those numbers do not necessarily indicate an escalation but rather rising awareness and the fact that incidents are being reported more frequently.

The police are the first place for the victims to contact and 91.5% of police officers have completed professional training in cases of domestic violence and violence against women, said Bozinovic.

He said that the focus would be on online abuse and hate speech as well as on all forms of discrimination, sexual violence and people trafficking, especially women and children.

Police statistics indicate that most violent incidents occur mid-week and that 61.64% of perpetrators have secondary school qualifications while 21.92% have only elementary school qualifications and 16.41% are highly educated.

Recent research shows that the increase in domestic violence is not specific to Croatia but can be attributed to the pandemic and new social aspects, underscored Bozinovic.

Justice and Public Administration Minister Ivan Malenica announced the establishment of 15 family welfare centres next year in municipal and county courts. He added that a register of domestic violence perpetrators is almost completed.

More experts like psychologists will be employed to secure protection for the victims of domestic violence, said Malenica.

Social Policy Minister: It’s our duty to stand up against violence

Labour and Family and Social Policy Minister Josip Aladrovic said that the system combatting violence exists, it just needs to be strengthened.

“It is our duty to stand up against violence, silence motivates violence,” said Aladrovic, underlining the 116006 Help Line, available from 0 to 24 hours.

He warned that the pandemic has accelerated the increase in domestic violence, however, steps have been taken and today each county in the country has a shelter for domestic violence victims with support teams.