05.04.2007
The Magistrates’ Association of Serbia (MAS), in partnership with the Rule of Law Initiative, presented its Family Violence Survey at a March 30, 2007 roll-out ceremony. The survey showed an increase in reported cases of family violence from the previous year. Magistrates viewed this trend as a positive change in the mindset of victims, who now feel protected by the system and more willing to report violence.
The event was attended by magistrates, governmental officials, NGO representatives, police, donor organizations, doctors, social workers, and Serbian media. Coordinator and MAS member Slavica Brkic presented the survey, which is based upon more than six months of extensive research and analysis from more than 160 magistrates, as well as courts, prosecutors’ offices, and police from all Serbian municipalities. A discussion of the findings followed the presentation, and attendees praised the survey for its comprehensive and unique treatment of family violence.