“I LOVE. I DO NOT HIT. THE WHOLE EUROPE AGAINST CHILD ABUSE”, WARSAW, 3.- 4.3.2011

1. “I LOVE. I DO NOT HIT. THE WHOLE EUROPE AGAINST CHILD ABUSE”,WARSAW, 3.- 4.3.2011 COMBATING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN SLOVENIA – SOCIAL VALUES AND LEGISLATION Lea JAVORNIK NOVAK, M. Sc. Ministry of Labour, Family and Social Affairs RepublicofSlovenia

2. FAMILY VIOLENCE PROTECTION ACT (in force since 2008) Resolution on National Programme of Family Violence Protection 2009-2014 Government Campaign Against Family Violence Two-year action plan 2010-2011 A CASE OF SLOVENIA

3. WHY NORMATIVE REGULATION IS NECESSARY

4. THE ROLE OF THE STATE • the state appears when family fails • protects thebestinterests of the child • influences the educational patterns and breaks the stereotypical gender roles • communicates that the violence against children and in families is a serious social problem • sharply sanctions violation of fundamental human and children's rights

5. FAMILY VIOLENCE ACT • is thefirstactdefiningfamilyviolence • determinesrole, tasks, network and cooperation of diversestate bodies • parents are bound to protect a child from public exposure (massmedia) • a child is a victim even when witnessing violence in a family

6. THE ACT DETERMINES TYPES OF VIOLENCE • Physical • Psychological • Sexual • Economic • Neglect

7. WHO AND WHEN REPORTS THE VIOLENCE • ALLbodies and NGO’s are bound to immediately notify a social work centre • In case of suspicion that a child is a victim of violence,anyone must file a report • A report of violence against a child takes priority over protection of professional secreacy (e.g. teacher, doctor etc.)

8. VICTIM'S SAFETY Victim's safety measures: • protecting life and ensuring the victim's personal safety (upon entrance to accommodation premises) • abandonment of the shared apartment • housing safety in case of violence after divorce. The principle of protection of interests of children prevails, therefore the apartment is awarded by the court to the spouse with which the children live.

9. VICTIM'S RIGHTS • a victimcanchooseanattendant • a victim is entitled to free-of-charge legal aid in court proceedings • a victim has the right to a defense counsel

10. NETWORK • Safe houses and maternity homes (20) • Crisis centres for the young (7) • Crisis centres for children (1) • NGOs – counselling (8)

11. The Act was the first step …. … followed by The Resolution on the 2009-2014 National Programme on Prevention of Family Violence

12. THE GOALS OF THE RESOLUTION • To achievezero tolerance to violence • To encouragenew NGO’s programmesforvictimsandperpetrators • To ensureeffectiveawarenessamongchildrenregardingbasic human rights • Prohibitionofcorporalpunishment and humiliating treatment towards children

13. TWO-YEAR ACTION PLAN • Period 2010–2011 • Is a concretisation of the Resolution • Within the plan, there are clearly statedtasks for individual institutions, deadlines and means

14. GOVERNMENT CAMPAIGNE AGAINST VOLENCE • Stress on riskgroups (children, elderly, personswithspecialneeds, personswithdisablities) • In the time of global recessionviolence grows (decreasing of social and economical security)

15. OTHER PROJECTS • Peter Klepec Telephone – 080 1552, free-of-charge, anonymous blue number 24/7 • Project “We, the grownups, are here to help you" – information leaflet for all primary school children on identifying types of violence and forms of help

16. Beawarethat: • All that is important during childhood happens in the family. • In the system of values of grownups, the family maintains its significance. • We, the grownups, do not have the choice of whether to help children or not - it is our duty !

17. Thank you for your attention. lea.javornik-novak1(at)gov.si