Second Training on Ethical Reporting on Gender-Based Violence with Firearms Takes Place in Montenegro
On 14-15 October 2024 in Petrovac, representatives of the media, the prosecutors’ offices, and the Ministry of Interior and police services of Montenegro underwent a Training on the Ethics of Informing the Public on Gender-based Violence (GBV) with a Focus on Incidents of Firearms Misuse.
The training is a part of SEESAC’s ongoing efforts to promote cooperation and support relevant institutions in building capacities for raising awareness on risks associated with small arms and light weapons (SALW). Gender-based violence is recognized throughout the region as an acute problem and the role of firearms in this context is significant.
During the first day of the trainings, participants were better familiarized with dynamics of GBV and the detrimental impact unethical reporting has not only on victims and their families but also on the public’s understanding of this societal phenomenon. They also examined the risk factors associated with the presence of SALW in GBV situations, the significance of tracking SALW misuse in such cases, and relevant trends in Montenegro and the Western Balkans.
The second day focused on the results of a recent Analysis of Media Reporting on Firearm Misuse in Male Gender-based Violence Against Women in the Western Balkans, with a particular focus on the results relevant to Montenegro. Participants also reviewed the newly developed Guidelines for the Officials of the Ministries of Interior and Police Services for Communication with the Media in Cases of Firearm Misuse in GBV.
The training paid particular attention to the interaction between media newsrooms, public prosecutors’ offices, and the Ministry of Interior, highlighting the need for coordinated and sensitive communication strategies. Practical exercises were conducted to help participants better understand the context and constraints faced by other participants in their respective roles. Best practices and areas in need of improvement were identified.
A similar training was held in Podgorica in November 2023 with journalists and representatives MOI/police services attending. A new series of trainings that included participation by the prosecutors’ offices was initiated in May 2024. The training in Podgorica was the forth such training, preceded by those in Vrdnik, Bjelasnica and Skopje.
This training was organized within the scope of SEESAC’s efforts to raise awareness and increase the operational capacities of relevant beneficiaries through the Regional IPA project in Support of Enhancing the Fight Against the Illegal Possession, Misuse, and Trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) in the Western Balkans funded by European Commission.
The implementation of these trainings directly contributes to the implementation of the Roadmap for a sustainable solution to the illegal possession, misuse and trafficking of small arms and light weapons and their ammunition in the Western Balkans, with a focus on Goal 4 of the Roadmap, which states: Significantly reduce the supply, demand and misuse of firearms through increased awareness, education, outreach and advocacy.