Outcome SRB_D_3.1

Universal and inclusive access to quality health, social and protection services is improved (UNSDCF Outcome 2.1.)

The Outcome was not achieved however, progress was made. Prevention, protection, prosecution, and referral mechanisms on domestic and other forms of violence against women in Serbia remain inadequate despite the adoption of the 2017 Law on Prevention of Domestic Violence, and the 2021 Strategy for Preventing and Combating Gender-based Violence against Women and Domestic Violence. However, the Serbia still lack the Action Plan for the Implementation of the Strategy, and it remains uncertain whether the Criminal Code, which is currently in the process of amendment, will harmonize the incrimination of gender-based violence with the Istanbul Convention and criminalize GBV in the digital space. Another important problem is the lack, in most parts of Serbia, of specialist women-to-women support services, for victims of rape and sexual violence, early marriage, stalking and digital violence. Progress has been made towards strengthening the capacities of state and provincial institutions, as well as women’s CSOs in order to improve the delivery of support services for women survivors of violence, with a specific focus on marginalized groups. As regards sexual violence, fifth Center for Victims of Sexual Violence (CVSV) in General Hospital in Vrbas officially began functioning and providing support services in November ensuring greater coverage and quality of services. Catalogue of methods on providing psychological support services to women experiencing sexual violence has been developed. The Catalog offers a collection of methods in the provision of psychosocial and psychological support services in CVSVs. 215 representatives of the judiciary strengthened their capacities to recognize and process all forms of violence against women and girls. Also, 60 Ministry of Justice misdemeanor judges improved their capacities at trainings for the implementation of the Law on the prevention of VAWG, particularly urgent measures for victim protection and justice sector response to gender-based violence against women and domestic violence, with the support of UN Women. 25 representatives of the judiciary that provide services for assistance and support for victims and witnesses of criminal acts in higher courts and public prosecutor's offices in Serbia significantly improved their knowledge and skills in regard to gender and psychological perspectives and were provided with practical tools necessary to enhance their work in victim and witness support. Also, 21 (15 men and 6 women) police officers/inspectors from AP Vojvodina improved knowledge in the field of preventing violence against women, its causes and consequences, gender stereotypes and the role of the police in creating gender-responsive actions in cases of gender-based violence against women. In addition, throughout 2024, five CSOs were awarded with grants to combat digital gender-based violence by UN Women. In addition, throughout 2024, two women CSOs from Montenegro - Podgorica, SoS telephone for women and children’s victims of gender based and domestic violence and Center for Women's Rights improved access of information regarding provision of innovative service for women survivors of violence through electronic monitoring of restraining order – bracelet for victims and perpetrator system (EMS). An information leaflet developed for victims of gender-based violence and domestic violence on prevention and protection mechanisms and EMS, was distributed and reached over 3,500 women.

Universal and inclusive access to quality health, social and protection services is improved (UNSDCF Outcome 2.1.)

Progress towards ensuring universal and inclusive access to quality health, social and protection services in Serbia continued, supported by strengthened institutional capacities and knowledge management, and enhanced coordination among service providers. The Commissioner for Protection of Equality (CPE) strengthened its mandate implementation and evidence-based advocacy for women’s equality by developing the Special Report on Discrimination of Women in Serbia. The report provides a comprehensive overview of CPE’s actions to advance and protect women’s rights across key areas of life, including health, social protection, and the labor market. It also formulates actionable recommendations to address systemic discrimination and promote equal opportunities for women, thereby informing national stakeholders and supporting improved policy and institutional responses. UN Women contributed to these results by providing expert support. The Provincial Secretariat for Social Policy, Demography and Gender Equality (PSSPDGE) strengthened its institutional practices and capacities to more effectively prevent and address violence against women and girls. As a result, PSSPDGE produced an Analysis of Free Legal Aid Services Provided in the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina for the Period 2021–2025, assessing the availability and quality of free legal aid in cases of gender-based and domestic violence and identifying gaps and recommendations for strengthening the legal framework, improving services and expanding coverage. In addition, PSSPDGE developed an analysis of the provided services, institutional capacities and needs of specialized support service providers for survivors of gender-based and domestic violence in AP Vojvodina, further informing evidence-based improvements in protection and support systems. UN Women contributed to these results through partner agreement, providing expert support and capacity development. All five Centers for Victims of Sexual Violence (CVSV) in Novi Sad, Sremska Mitrovica, Zrenjanin, Kikinda and Vrbas continued to provide uninterrupted, 24/7 specialized support services throughout the year, ensuring that women and girls have consistent access to comprehensive, survivor-centered assistance. With a team of 10 trained counsellors, the centers enabled victims of sexual violence to receive integrated medical, forensic and psychosocial support in one location, strengthening the availability and quality of multisectoral services in Vojvodina. In parallel, institutional guidance for responding to gender-based and sexual violence was enhanced through the upgrading of the Handbook for Procedure and Multisectoral Cooperation in Cases of Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence and the Guide on Providing Support Services in Cases of Sexual Violence. These strengthened frameworks further standardize practice, improve coordination among institutions, and support professionals in delivering timely, sensitive and effective assistance to survivors. UN Women contributed to these results through partner agreement, providing expert support and capacity development. National understanding of digital violence was strengthened through new research conducted by CSO Atina, which generated comprehensive evidence on the prevalence, forms and societal perceptions of online harassment, stalking, image-based abuse and coercive digital behaviors in Serbia. The findings expanded the evidence base needed for informed policy-making and more targeted prevention and protection measures addressing digital violence against women and girls. UN Women contributed to this result through expert and financial support. Despite the progress achieved, significant gaps remain in ensuring universal and inclusive access to quality protection services, as prevention, protection, prosecution and referral mechanisms continue to require further strengthening, even with the existing Law on Prevention of Domestic Violence and the recently extended Strategy for Preventing and Combating Gender-Based Violence against Women and Domestic Violence until 2027. Building on the advancements made during this reporting period, UN Women will continue to support state institutions and civil society organizations in addressing these systemic challenges, enhancing service delivery, and ensuring that all women and girls in Serbia have equitable access to comprehensive, quality health, social and protection services.

Universal and inclusive access to quality health, social and protection services is improved (UNSDCF Outcome 2.1.)

The Outcome was not achieved however, progress was made. Prevention, protection, prosecution, and referral mechanisms on domestic and other forms of violence against women in Serbia remain inadequate despite the adoption of the 2017 Law on Prevention of Domestic Violence, and the 2021 Strategy for Preventing and Combating Gender-based Violence against Women and Domestic Violence. Another important problem is the lack, in most parts of Serbia, of specialist women-to-women support services, for victims of rape and sexual violence, early marriage and stalking. Additional efforts are needed to ensure a more comprehensive response to all forms of violence against women covered by the Istanbul Convention. In 2023 the Programme for protection of women from domestic violence, violence in partner relations and other forms of gender-based violence in the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina from 2023-2026, was adopted by the Vojvodina Assembly. It is aligned with the Istanbul Convention, CEDAW, National Strategy for Prevention and Combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV) against women and other relevant national legislation. Progress has been made towards strengthening key national institutions, such as the Commissioner for Protection of Equality and Provincial Secretariat for Social Protection, Demography and Gender Equality and Women CSOs to engage in the effective implementation of the recommendations to Serbia in the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) Concluding observations issued in March 2019, and the Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (GREVIO) baseline report published in January 2020, and to improve the delivery of support services for women survivors of violence, with a specific focus on marginalized and multiple discriminated groups and women victims of specific forms of violence. Sixty Ministry of Justice misdemeanor judges improved their capacities at trainings for the implementation of the Law on the prevention of VAWG, particularly urgent measures for victim protection and justice sector response to gender-based violence against women and domestic violence, with the support of UN Women. In addition, throughout 2023, six women CSOs further increased their capacity to monitor and address harmful gender stereotypes and to advocate for better access to and improved provision of innovative services for women survivors of violence. A proposal of new quality (functional) standards for safe houses was developed by NGO Atina for the first time in the Republic of Serbia in partnership with the Ministry of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs. The standards contain an integrated victim-oriented approach in safe houses for women and girls victims of violence and DV, including principles of support and exit strategies for victims, inter-agency standards for GBV, and the minimum functional standards of the professional procedures, such as informed consent, admission, and assessment. The document also outlines the purpose of the shelter service for women victims of violence, expands the groups of beneficiaries of these services to those who are “left behind,” and identifies the basic principles of work when providing this service, such as respect and dignity, confidentiality of personal data, gender sensitivity access, non-discrimination and inclusiveness, and others. A special segment refers to support for children, individual and group work with children, as well as work with traumatic experiences. Moreover, Rules on Procedure in Emergency Situations in Shelters for Women and Children, Survivors of Domestic Violence have been drafted with the aim of defining mechanisms for increasing the efficiency of protection and well-being of all involved actors before, during and after an emergency situation – rules that shelters lacked at the COVID-19 outbreak. 50 local public administration servants built their capacities towards a better understanding of the constraints and needs of GBV survivors when providing free legal aid (FLA). Furthermore, the database of local FLA offices in local administrations/municipalities across Serbia was established. The database provides information about contact persons/offices for free legal aid in 101 local communities. These initiatives were supported by UN Women within the regional programme “Ending VAW: Implementing Norms, Changing Minds”. Based on the progress made to date, the original strategy and theory of change for this outcome are still applicable because women and girls are still not able to exercise their rights on an equal footing with men and boys and equally contribute to and benefit from development. UN Women will continue to support the government and key stakeholders to be able to prevent violence against women and girls.

Universal and inclusive access to quality health, social and protection services is improved (UNSDCF Outcome 2.1.)

The Outcome was not achieved however, progress was made. Prevention, protection, prosecution, and referral mechanisms on domestic and other forms of violence against women in Serbia remain inadequate despite the adoption of the 2017 Law on Prevention of Domestic Violence, and the 2021 Strategy for Preventing and Combating Gender-based Violence against Women and Domestic Violence. In the past 10 years alone, more than 300 women in Serbia have been killed as a result of gender-based violence. [1] Additional efforts are needed to ensure a more comprehensive response to all forms of violence against women covered by the Istanbul Convention. Another important problem is the lack, in most parts of Serbia, of specialist women-to-women support services, for victims of rape and sexual violence, early marriage and stalking. Progress has been made towards strengthening key national institutions and women CSOs to engage in the effective implementation of the recommendations to Serbia in the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) Concluding observations issued in March 2019, and the Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (GREVIO) baseline report published in January 2020, and to improve the delivery of support services for women survivors of violence, with a specific focus on marginalized and multiple discriminated groups and women victims of specific forms of violence. Within the reporting period, 11 currently operating Safe Houses for victims of GBV have increased their capacities to develop missing rulebooks, development plans, specialized programs, security standards and organization of training for service providers, and thus are enabled to provide quality services to women and girls in need, in line with international standards. In 2022, additional six women non-governmental organizations have strengthened their capacities through grants to implement context-specific outreach activities to rural women victims or at risk of gender-based violence against women, within the „Improved Safety of Women in Serbia“ project. Almost 50,000 rural were reached and increased their knowledge and skills to recognize and report gender-based violence through delivered trainings and workshops, information and education sessions, provision of free online and in-person medical, legal and psychological counseling services, traditional media and social media campaigns, local public and street actions and public events. UN Women contributed this result by coordinating „Improved Safety of Women in Serbia“ programme in addition to its financial support. More than 500 professionals, general and specialist service providers (social protection, healthcare, police, prosecution, justice system and women’s NGOs) have strengthened knowledge, skills and cooperation to effectively deliver integrated service for women and girls’ survivors of violence. 32 women and girls’ victims of rape and other forms of sexual violence received immediate medical care, forensic service, legal and trauma counselling, social services, and psychosocial support in four centers for victims of sexual violence. 91 different types of support services were provided by counsellors. Access to health care and safety of women victims of sexual violence is improved by providing free testing for sexually transmitted diseases for victims referred from centers for victims of sexual violence based on the agreement between partner organization and the Provincial Institute for Public Health.. This was achieved through the UN joint project “Integrated response to violence against women and girls III”. In addition, six women CSOs increased their capacity to monitor and address harmful gender stereotypes and to advocate for better access to and improved provision of innovative services for women survivors of violence. The structural and functional standards of the operating shelters in Serbia were analyzed in terms of the quality of services to VAWG survivors and the results reflected in capacity building efforts. As a result, over 500 women, including Roma women and women with disabilities, used the mobile phone application ‘Sound of Soul’ and reported violence. Furthermore, more than 100 Roma women survivors of violence have been provided with appropriate psycho-social support with 50 of them benefiting from economic integration services, while some 120 professionals, members of Groups for Cooperation and Coordination have been trained for working with victims of gender-based violence and implementing international standards on victim support and protection particularly focusing on working with victims in crisis situations. In addition, 48 lawyers from Belgrade, Kragujevac, Kraljevo, Kruševac, Novi Pazar and Tutin strengthened their capacities for improved service provision of free legal aid to VAWG. Finally, 43 professionals working in shelters increased their understanding of how specific forms of violence, such as sexual violence and witnessing violence, can influence the development of a traumatic experience. Last but not least, first ever (functional) standards for shelters containing an integrated victim-oriented approach in safe houses for women and girls victims of violence and domestic violence, principles of support for women and girls victims of gender-based violence, as well as inter-agency standards for gender-based violence have been developed. These initiatives were supported by UN Women within the regional programme “Ending VAW: Implementing norms, Changing minds”. Based on the progress made to date, the original strategy and theory of change for this outcome are still applicable because women and girls are still not able to exercise their rights on an equal footing with men and boys and equally contribute to and benefit from development. UN Women will continue to support the government and key stakeholders to be able to prevent violence against women and girls. [1] Source: Autonomous Women’s Centre. Please see: https://www.womenngo.org.rs/publikacije/izvestaji-o-femicidu-u-srbiji