From 5 to 7 October, fourteen law enforcement officers from Republika Srpska and Brčko District (six women and eight men) have completed a training-of-trainers course on technology-facilitated violence against women, reaching 35 certified police officer in total, supported through the Council of Europe project. 

The training marks an important step towards expanding police expertise on technology facilitated violence against women. The newly certified trainers can now share their knowledge with colleagues, extending the benefits of specialised training to more officers and the communities they serve.

“This is just the beginning of an important process for law enforcement in Bosnia and Herzegovina.  Hopefully it will not stop at this as technology facilitated violence against women is widespread and still a new topic for us”, highlighted Ms Ljiljana Djuric, police inspector from Banja Luka.

The result goes beyond the number of certificates awarded: Bosnia and Herzegovina now has a broader pool of police trainers who can help colleagues better recognise technology facilitated violence against women and girls, respond to victims’ needs and understand the importance of securing digital evidence. Their role in passing on these skills will be essential to turning specialised knowledge into more effective investigations and protection.

The training reflects the standards of the Council of Europe Istanbul Convention and the approach set out in GREVIO’s General Recommendation No. 1 on the digital dimension of violence against women, recognising the connections between violence experienced online and offline.

The training was organised within the project “Strengthening Bosnia and Herzegovina’s responses to digital and sexual violence against women”, implemented by the Council of Europe under the Action Plan for Bosnia and Herzegovina 2026–2029 and funded through voluntary contributions.