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Description
Programme outcome the project contributes to: “Quality of the judicial system improved”.
The overall aim of the project is to contribute to the increased efficiency and quality of the judicial system in two areas: a) protection of victims of crime, and b) protection of minors within family law disputes. The project will focus on settling family law disputes in so called “family courts”, complementing the “Domestic and Gender-based Violence” programme implemented in Slovak Republic under the 2014-2021 Norwegian Financial Mechanism.
The project shall include, inter alia, the following activities:
- Refurbishment of the court premises in 8 courts (district court Bratislava II, district court Galanta, district court Spišská Nová Ves, district court Rožňava, district court Zvolen, district court Rimavská Sobota, district court Prešov, regional court Prešov) in order to make them more child-friendly;
- Educational programme for mediators and judges, aimed to make judges and mediators more sensitive towards the needs of minors, and specialise them on family-law matters;
- Two study visits to Norway involving judges and prosecutors. A number of inter-ministerial meetings will be held;
- A media campaign on the rights of victims targeting both the general public and experts, through the development of an interactive website, information leaflets as well as through a campaign targeting television and the printed press;
- Two education programmes targeting judges and prosecutors aiming at improving the knowledge about handling of victims.
Summary of project results
The project focused on addressing several systemic issues within the Slovak judiciary, particularly concerning vulnerable groups and victims of crime. Key challenges included the lack of specialized spaces and tailored procedures for dealing with sensitive cases, such as those involving children or victims of domestic violence. The judiciary faced limitations in effectively supporting victims, partly due to insufficient training for judges and prosecutors and inadequate facilities. Furthermore, the project aimed to counter the lack of public awareness regarding victims’ rights and available judicial support, which often hindered access to justice for marginalized groups.
The project implemented a range of targeted activities to enhance the effectiveness of the judiciary in Slovakia. It established specialized facilities at eight courts designed to accommodate sensitive cases involving children and vulnerable individuals. These facilities provided an environment conducive to fair hearings and victim support.
Additionally, the project developed and delivered training programs for judges, prosecutors, and mediators, focusing on improving their skills in dealing with victims and children in judicial processes. Two educational programs were completed, enhancing participants'' understanding of child-sensitive practices and multidimensional collaboration.
International collaboration was facilitated through study visits to Norway and Iceland, where Slovak judges and prosecutors learned best practices in family law and victim support. A media campaign aimed to raise public awareness about victims’ rights and judicial support services. The project also supported the development of comprehensive guidelines, including a framework for mediators and judges, to streamline practices for victim-oriented justice.
The project achieved several significant outcomes, directly benefiting judicial professionals and vulnerable populations in Slovakia. One key outcome was the establishment of specialized interview rooms at courts, primarily designed to support minor victims by providing a safe and child-friendly environment for testimony and legal proceedings.
The project successfully trained 160 judges, prosecutors, and mediators, equipping them with advanced skills to work effectively with victims of crime and minors. The training programs emphasized practical approaches, enhancing professionals'' ability to provide sensitive and effective support in judicial processes. This initiative significantly improved the judiciary''s capacity to handle complex cases involving vulnerable individuals, fostering a more victim-centered approach.
For citizens, particularly victims of domestic violence and minors, the project significantly improved access to justice through enhanced support systems and public awareness efforts. A comprehensive media campaign was launched to raise awareness about violence, its identification, and available support services. As part of this campaign, a dedicated website was created (https://vnimajme.sk/), providing valuable information and resources. Additionally, 15 educational videos were produced in collaboration with psychologists and experts, addressing key aspects of violence prevention and victim support. The campaign also included the distribution of 5,000 informational leaflets and a press release to ensure the message reached a broad audience. These efforts empowered victims and enhanced public understanding of their rights and the support available to them.
The judiciary, as a whole, benefitted from improved procedural frameworks and international knowledge transfer, which were incorporated into judicial training and everyday practices. Overall, the project created a more effective and victim-sensitive judiciary system in Slovakia, benefiting both professionals and citizens.