Final Series of Trainings on the Guidelines for the Prevention of Firearms Misuse in Domestic Violence in Sarajevo  

The final sessions of the training series focusing on the application of the Guidelines for Assessing and Addressing Risks Related to Firearms Misuse in Domestic Violence and the Guidelines for Gender-Responsive Firearms License Approval were concluded this week in Sarajevo, marking a milestone in strengthening institutional response to firearms misuse and domestic violence across the Western Balkans.   

This training series was implemented as part of a regional initiative led by SEESAC, which previously saw successful trainings delivered in Podgorica, Pristina, Skopje, and Tirana. In total, over 130 police officers working on domestic violence cases and professionals handling firearm license approvals have been trained by their peers who have completed SEESAC's Training of Trainers (ToT) program in 2024. By embedding knowledge directly within institutions through peer-led learning, the program ensures sustainable results.   

The first of the two trainings held on 28 October, brought together police officers specialising in domestic violence cases. Participants focused on practically applying SEESAC's Guidelines to enhance the identification and assessment of high-risk scenarios involving firearms in domestic violence cases, strengthened their skills in gathering essential information and ensuring timely interventions.   

The second training, held on 30 October, gathered professionals in charge of firearms licensing approval and police officers conducting background checks. Participants explored the gender dimensions of firearms misuse and enhanced their skills to apply gender-responsive approaches while reviewing firearms license applications, assessing high-risk cases linked to domestic violence, and addressing vulnerable groups, such as young men.   

The trainings were organised under the regional project 'Support for Enhancing the Fight Against the Illegal Possession, Misuse, and Trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) in the Western Balkans' funded by the European Commission, Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations, through the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA II). Through this project, SEESAC is providing support to authorities in the Western Balkans to mainstream the gender perspective in the SALW control measures and, in particular, to prevent and combat the misuse of firearms in domestic violence.