When Institutions Fail, Silence Remains - Analisys of Institutional Response to Reports of Violence That Preceded Femicide [2017-2018]

The publication analyzes the institutional response of police, prosecutors' offices, and centers for social work to reports of violence that preceded femicides in intimate partner and family contexts in Serbia in the period 2017–2018. The research covers 56 documented cases and is based on responses from competent institutions to freedom of information requests. The aim was to determine whether the institutional measures undertaken were adequate and whether the relevant authorities utilized all available powers to prevent fatal outcomes. The publication contains an analysis of prior reports of violence, an assessment of risk factors, and recommendations for improving the institutional response to violence against women. Of particular value are the alarming case examples from practice that clearly highlight institutional failures and further illuminate the research findings.