“I LOVE. I DO NOT HIT. THE WHOLE EUROPE AGAINST CHILD ABUSE”, WARSAW, Lea JAVORNIK NOVAK, M. Sc. Ministry of Labour, Family and Social Affairs Republic of Slovenia COMBATING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN SLOVENIA – SOCIAL VALUES AND LEGISLATION

A CASE OF SLOVENIA FAMILY VIOLENCE PROTECTION ACT (in force since 2008) Resolution on National Programme of Family Violence Protection Government Campaign Against Family Violence Two-year action plan

WHY NORMATIVE REGULATION IS NECESSARY INDIVIDUAL FAMILY SOCIETY

THE ROLE OF THE STATE  the state appears when family fails  protects the best interests of the child  influences the educational patterns and breaks the stereotypical gender roles  communicates that the violence against children and in families is a serious social problem  sharply sanctions violation of fundamental human and children's rights

FAMILY VIOLENCE ACT  is the first act defining family violence  determines role, tasks, network and cooperation of diverse state bodies  parents are bound to protect a child from public exposure (mass media)  a child is a victim even when witnessing violence in a family

THE ACT DETERMINES TYPES OF VIOLENCE  Physical  Psychological  Sexual  Economic  Neglect

WHO AND WHEN REPORTS THE VIOLENCE  ALL bodies and NGO’s are bound to immediately notify a social work centre  In case of suspicion that a child is a victim of violence,anyone must file a report  A report of violence against a child takes priority over protection of professional secreacy (e.g. teacher, doctor etc.)

VICTIM'S SAFETY Victim's safety measures:  protecting life and ensuring the victim's personal safety (upon entrance to accommodation premises)  abandonment of the shared apartment  housing safety in case of violence after divorce. The principle of protection of interests of children prevails, therefore the apartment is awarded by the court to the spouse with which the children live.

VICTIM'S RIGHTS  a victim can choose an attendant  a victim is entitled to free-of-charge legal aid in court proceedings  a victim has the right to a defense counsel

NETWORK Safe houses and maternity homes (20) Safe houses and maternity homes (20) Crisis centres for the young (7) Crisis centres for the young (7) Crisis centres for children (1) Crisis centres for children (1) NGOs – counselling (8) NGOs – counselling (8)

The Act was the first step …. … followed by The Resolution on the National Programme on Prevention of Family Violence

THE GOALS OF THE RESOLUTION  To achieve zero tolerance to violence  To encourage new NGO’s programmes for victims and perpetrators  To ensure effective awareness among children regarding basic human rights  Prohibition of corporal punishment and humiliating treatment towards children

TWO-YEAR ACTION PLAN  Period 2010–2011  Is a concretisation of the Resolution  Within the plan, there are clearly stated tasks for individual institutions, deadlines and means

GOVERNMENT CAMPAIGNE AGAINST VOLENCE  Stress on risk groups (children, elderly, persons with special needs, persons with disablities)  In the time of global recession violence grows (decreasing of social and economical security)

OTHER PROJECTS  Peter Klepec Telephone – , free-of-charge, anonymous blue number 24/7  Project “We, the grownups, are here to help you" – information leaflet for all primary school children on identifying types of violence and forms of help

Be aware that: All that is important during childhood happens in the family. All that is important during childhood happens in the family. In the system of values of grownups, the family maintains its significance. In the system of values of grownups, the family maintains its significance. We, the grownups, do not have the choice of whether to help children or not - it is our duty ! We, the grownups, do not have the choice of whether to help children or not - it is our duty !

Thank you for your attention. lea.javornik-novak1(at)gov.si