PRACTICAL ASPECTS OF THE ACTIONS OF STATE AUTHORITIES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAW ON THE PREVENTION OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Abstract

We are witnessing that more attention is paid to domestic violence, both by the state itself and its bodies, as well as by professionals and the wider public. The family and the violence that takes place among its members cannot be viewed outside of the social context, because it was society throughout history that in some way determined what was considered legitimate and what was not. In the earlier period, the disorganization of the family in any sense was considered a private matter of its members, and "normal" events that exist in every family to a greater or lesser extent. The Republic of Serbia decided to carry out a successful fight against domestic violence, and this led to the adoption of a large number of acts that are important for protection against domestic violence.

            The Law on the Prevention of Domestic Violence has been in force since June 1, 2017 in the Republic of Serbia and introduced major innovations in the system of preventing domestic violence and protecting victims of domestic violence. The Law on the Prevention of Domestic Violence is the lex specialis, and is primary in all cases of domestic violence. It adopted normative provisions that are implemented by state bodies that represent the state mechanism of fighting domestic violence, starting with the police and centers for social work, through the prosecutor's office, and up to the court, as the last body in this chain.