Ensuring that victims of sexual violence can access justice without being exposed to further trauma requires a judicial response that understands their experiences and protects their rights throughout criminal proceedings. This was the focus of two capacity-building activities held in Jahorina and Neum , bringing together 65 judges, prosecutors, and police officers (38 women and 27 men).
As judge Mersudin Pružan of the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina highlighted, „legislative amendments are an important step, but their practical implementation is essential to ensuring that stronger legal protection translates into effective access to justice for victims of sexual violence“.
The training held in Jahorina from 22 to 24 September explored how judges and prosecutors can strenghten their handling of sexual violence cases through the application of international standards and stronger multi-sectoral cooperation. Participants examined recommendations of the Council of Europe’s Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (GREVIO), relevant case law of the European Court of Human Rights, and challenges encountered in domestic judicial practice.
Sessions on the psychological consequences of sexual violence provided participants with a deeper understanding of victims’ experiences and needs. Contributions from the judiciary, police and prosecution services connected these insights to practical challenges in investigating and adjudicating cases. The Sarajevo Canton Protocol on the Treatment of Rape Cases offered a concrete example of coordinated institutional action.
In Neum, from 28 to 30 September, sessions within the XIX Expert Conference for Prosecutors in Bosnia and Herzegovina addressed the challenges in prosecution of sexual harassment, the implementation of legislation on domestic violence and violence against women, and the protection of girls in criminal proceedings. Particular attention was given to the psychological consequences of sexual violence and supporting victims during criminal investigations.
Together, the activities supported a victim-centred and gender-responsive approach to justice, consistent with the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (Istanbul Convention).
The trainings were 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.
