On November 27, 2024, the Judicial Academy, with the support of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), organized the expert meeting "Life in a cage without bars - an institutional response to the phenomenon of coercive control in family-partner relationships" within the project "Let's stop violence - achieve equality" ".

The gathering was opened by Nenad Vujić, Director of the Judicial Academy, Fabricio Andreuci, Deputy Permanent Representative of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Serbia, Brankica Janković, Commissioner for the Protection of Equality, and Sandra Perić, Director of the Chamber of Social Protection.

Nenad Vujić reminded the attendees of the symbolism of the name of the meeting, pointing out the importance of zero tolerance to violence, multi-sector cooperation, adequate systemic response in providing protection and empowering victims, but also the importance of changes in criminal legislation as an additional form of support in the fight against violence. He emphasized the importance of continuous professional development in this area, reminding the participants of all the professional development programs of the Judicial Academy in the field of domestic violence and gender-based violence, as well as the online training program in the field of domestic violence created with the support of UNDP.

Fabrizio Andreuzzi introduced the participants to current statistical data in the field of femicide, reminding them of the importance of a multisectoral approach, education of professionals and the general public, and raising awareness in order to recognize the signs of violence and forced control and work to reduce prejudices.

Brankica Janković also pointed out the importance of education and continuous professional development in the fight against prejudice, eradicating the influence of patriarchy as a value system, the importance of conducting strategic litigation, but also roles and responsibilities of the media. The Commissioner for the Protection of Equality used the opportunity to point out the quality of the training program of the Judicial Academy, which is also manifested through the more efficient work of holders of judicial functions in this area.

Sandra Perić also reminded of the importance of the fight against prejudices and stereotypes, continuous education and cooperation of all institutions.

The panelists at the meeting were Prof. Anita Lauri Korolija, Ph.D., professor at the Department of Health and Clinical Psychology, University of Zagreb, Tanja Ignjatović, Ph.D., psychologist at the Autonomous Women's Center, Milena Tripković, Ph.D., associate professor of criminology at the University of Edinburgh and deputy director of the Scottish Center for Research on Crime and Justice, and Emma Forbes, Ph.D., deputy public prosecutor at the Royal Prosecutor's Office in Scotland. 

The topics of the meeting were: Life in prison without bars - coercive control and what love has to do with it, child abuse as a tactic of coercive control and post-separation violence, Scotland's experiences in the criminal prosecution of coercive control: practical experiences in recognizing, proving and dealing with cases of this form violence.

Participants in the meeting were judges, prosecutors who lead groups for coordination and cooperation, representatives of centers for social work and police officers who work on cases of domestic violence.

Online trainings on gender equality and domestic violence are available on the distance learning platform of the Judicial Academy lms.pars.rs