More effective handling of domestic violence cases in 2025 was achieved through the implementation of the Guidelines for the Handling of Cases of Domestic Violence or Violence in the Family Community, which state prosecutors have been fully applying in practice since October 2024.
The implementation of the Guidelines, adopted by the Supreme State Prosecutor, contributed to improving the promptness of proceedings, enhancing coordination among the competent institutions, and harmonizing prosecutorial practice in this area.
The Report on Monitoring the Implementation of the Guidelines during 2025 was presented at a session of the Committee for Gender Equality of the Parliament of Montenegro by Supreme State Prosecutor Milorad Marković, State Prosecutor and Guidelines Coordinator Ana Radović, and Head of the Basic State Prosecutor’s Office in Podgorica Duško Milanović.
During 2025, a total of 1,877 cases related to domestic violence or violence in the family community were registered. A significant increase in the volume of proceedings was recorded — twice as many as in 2024 and four times as many as in 2023 — with a particular focus on risk assessment and support for victims.
Criminal proceedings were initiated against a total of 1,213 adults and 28 minors, while 584 requests were submitted for the initiation of misdemeanor proceedings. The largest number of cases, 716, was recorded by the Basic State Prosecutor’s Office in Podgorica.
In 61% of cases, the incident was classified as a criminal offence, in 24% as a misdemeanor, while in 15% of cases the offence had not been classified by the time the report was submitted. The significant increase in the number of misdemeanor proceedings is particularly noteworthy, indicating a broader and more consistent institutional response.
During the reporting period, the number of reports in criminal cases increased by 24.2%. This trend can be linked to the obligation to open a case for every report, improved systems for recording and monitoring cases, as well as a strengthened institutional response.
The change in practice has also contributed to the increase in the number of cases, given that state prosecutors now have direct access to information on cases, unlike the previous system of indirect notification through police officers. In addition, greater public awareness of domestic violence and increased engagement by social actors have encouraged citizens to report violence.
The effectiveness of the response is also reflected in the timely action of the competent authorities — in 86% of cases, victims were interviewed within 48 hours, while in only 2% of cases was the interview conducted in the presence of the suspect. During the reporting period, there were no cases in which criminal prosecution became time-barred.
According to the available data, women constitute the largest number of victims — 1,286, while 609 male victims were recorded. Among the victims were 79 children under the age of 14 and 84 children aged between 14 and 18. Men accounted for 83% of perpetrators.
Particular emphasis was placed on protecting child victims of violence through a multidisciplinary approach, with the aim of ensuring adequate protection and preventing secondary traumatization.
During the year, a significant number of training sessions were conducted for state prosecutors and contact persons, alongside continuous improvement of inter-institutional cooperation and strengthening of professional capacities.
We encourage all women and men to report violence, with the assurance that every reported case will be addressed and prosecuted promptly and responsibly, with full protection of victims and their rights.
The State Prosecutor’s Office will continue to monitor the implementation of the Guidelines and improve practices in this area. However, we emphasize that combating gender-based violence and protecting victims requires a conscientious, comprehensive approach and action by society as a whole.