This tells us that Montenegro is facing a huge increase in reported cases of domestic violence, and the executive director of the NGO Sistem, Neda Radović, points out for the RTCG Portal that this data must wake up not only institutions, but also the entire society.
For comparison, in criminal proceedings, an increase of 24.2 percent was recorded compared to 2024, while in misdemeanor proceedings the situation is even more drastic, the number of requests increased by as much as 8.22 times (from 71 in 2024 to 584 in 2025). At the end of 2025, 8,282 unresolved old cases were recorded, which is an increase compared to the previous period due to the large number of cases transferred from 2024. It is noted that the number of unresolved cases in 2025 increased due to the larger number of unresolved cases transferred from 2024.
Violence is not sufficiently sanctioned
"The large number of reported cases of domestic violence represents a serious systemic alarm. This data, on the one hand, indicates that women today are more encouraged, informed and empowered to recognize violence and report it, which is an important step forward compared to an earlier period when violence was often concealed through 'family values', tradition or transgenerational patterns of suffering," says Radović.
However, he warns that a high figure does not necessarily mean that there is more violence, but rather that it is being reported more, but still insufficiently treated.
"In the field, we still record a significant number of unreported cases, precisely because of insufficient trust in the institutions of the system. We believe that violence is not necessarily more than before, but it is more visible today, and still, however, insufficiently sanctioned and adequately treated," she explains.
The report reveals a worrying practice in handling cases, considering that as many as 15 percent of cases were not even qualified by the time the report was submitted.
For Radović, this is a clear indication of a failure.
"Non-qualification of the act often means milder sanctions or the absence of adequate measures, which sends a message of impunity and further discourages victims. It is unacceptable to sanction domestic violence through misdemeanor proceedings. Such an approach not only reduces the severity of the act, but also further affects the psychological state of the victim and at the same time can act as encouragement for the perpetrators. In practice, we have repeatedly witnessed situations in which violence was treated as a misdemeanor, only to later escalate into the most serious forms, including femicide," warns the director of NGO Sistem.
Statistics show that in 2025, a total of 692 criminal charges were filed, while criminal charges were dismissed against 462 individuals.
Commenting on this report, Radović believes that penal policy must be changed urgently.
"Penal policy must be stricter and consistently applied. We must not ignore the fact that people make decisions in the system, and that insufficient sensitivity and understanding of gender-based violence can lead to the wrong qualification of the act and inadequate treatment. We believe that it is urgently necessary to improve practice, clearly define femicide as a separate criminal offense, and ensure that violence is consistently treated within the criminal law framework," emphasizes Radović.
As an important step in this direction, in December 2025, the Supreme Court issued new guidelines for imposing criminal sanctions in cases of sexual and gender-based violence.
Children as "silent witnesses"
The report shows that during 2025, 28 minors were prosecuted for domestic violence, and Radović warns of the long-term consequences for the youngest.
"Special focus must be on children who grow up in families where violence is present. They are often silent witnesses and secondary victims, but also at risk of later reproducing the same patterns of behavior. If we want a society without violence, we must deal more seriously with families in crisis," she said.
He adds that institutions must trust victims and that it is the victim who most often knows their abuser best.
"The moment he expresses fear for his safety, institutions are obliged to react promptly, seriously and without minimizing the risk," Radović is categorical.
According to the report, 86 percent of victims were heard within 48 hours, but Radović underlines that repressive measures must be accompanied by the rehabilitation of perpetrators in order to prevent a return to violence.
NGO Sistem holds a license to provide accommodation services – shelters for victims of gender-based violence.
"We want to make it clear that the doors of our service are open to every woman and every person who suffers from violence. They are provided with safe accommodation, professional psychosocial support and assistance. No one has to go through violence alone and it is important that every person knows that there is a place where they can seek protection, understanding and support," concludes Radović.
The report also noted problems related to spatial capacities, and pointed out that although funds of 500,000 euros were allocated, the issue of the location of the Budva Minor Offences Court (Kotor branch) has still not been resolved, while the High Court in Podgorica continues to operate in inadequate conditions.
