Association of Emancipation, Solidarity and Equality of Women (ESE), an NGO supported by the USAID Civil Society Strengthening Project, has released a comprehensive study on the state of domestic violence in Macedonia. According to the research, half of all women in Macedonia have experienced psychological violence, and one out of five has experienced physical violence.
This is the second study on domestic violence published in the Republic of Macedonia. The first one, also by ESE, was conducted in 2000 and was entitled “Gray Numbers of Domestic Violence.”
The latest study examined the prevalence, forms and characteristics of domestic violence in Macedonia, as well as the response to the problem by the involved institutions – centers for social welfare, civil and criminal courts, the police, and public prosecutors. The findings will inform the National Program for Combating Domestic Violence, which will be prepared by ESE and other state bodies, institutions and NGOs.
ESE is one of 17 “leader” NGOs supported by the USAID Civil Society Strengthening Project, and a key advocate for women in Macedonia. It was instrumental in preparing and advocating for the adoption of legislation to address domestic violence, specifically changes and amendments to the Criminal Code and the Law on Family that made domestic violence a criminal offense. |