Reduce Risk – Increase Safety III (UNDP Serbia)

Duration

31 October 2023 – 29 October 2025

Beneficiary/ies

Beneficiaries: Ministry of Justice, group Journalists against Violence, Network of Women in the Police, specialized CSOs dedicated to preventing violence against women and increasing safety, persons who are or may become victims of firearms misuse, either in the context of gender-based violence or in the context of suicide by firearms.

Implementing partners: Ministry of Interior, National Institute for Public Health “Dr. Milan Jovanovic Batut”

Donor/s

Multi-Partner Trust Fund

Funding Amount

USD 776,135

Funding gaps (if any)

N/A

Objective/s

The objective of the project is to bridge the gaps identified under specific Goals 2 and 4 of the Roadmap, with a specific focus on reducing the risk of firearms misuse for violence and suicide in Serbia, while strengthening the role of women in SALW control policies, fostering collaboration and knowledge of relevant stakeholders, and enhancing community response to firearms-related crises and trauma with the goal of restoring safety and trust in institutions. The overall goal of the project is to contribute to meaningful integration of gender perspective into the SALW control policies.

Contributing to the Roadmap goal/s

Contributing to the Roadmap overall targets

Goal 2:

• Standardize and institutionalize data collection on firearms, by gender and age, regarding legal and illegal SALW/firearms interdictions, armed violence incidents, ballistic evidence, and other firearms related data resulting in periodic regional FAE risk analysis and threat assessment
• Fully integrate gender and age concerns in SALW/firearms control policies and ensure meaningful participation of women in SALW/firearms control.

Goal 4:

• Increase awareness among licensed private and legal entities about the danger of misuse and illicit proliferation of FAE.
• Increase awareness among general population, both women and men, on the danger of misuse, illicit possession and trafficking of FAE.
• Increase awareness and reduce the misuses of firearms in violence against women, domestic violence and other forms of gender-based violence.

Key activities implemented up to date

• Four meetings were organized with relevant sectors within the MoI to identify missing datasets and improve data classification by gender and age, aiming for a more comprehensive and accurate data management system. Technical and consultative support to the MoI focused on analyzing current data collection methods related to gender and age, which are essential for gender-sensitive, evidence-based policymaking, and on addressing gaps in gender- and age-related data and values.
• An analysis of legal and institutional solutions of jurisdictions with a similar social context to Serbia was completed, to identify good practices that successfully lead to the reduction of (firearms-enabled) femicides and attempted femicides. Additionally, completed case studies are to be used in further discussions with relevant professionals to evaluate the effectiveness of existing legal measures related to domestic and gender-based violence. This will serve to identify any missing bylaws and procedures that could enhance the practical application of laws, ensuring a more effective approach to domestic violence prevention and intervention.
• Two meetings of the Women Police Network Serbia were organized to strengthen their capacities for meaningful integration and active participation of women in the security sector.
• The 3rd Annual Conference of the Network of Women in the Police of Serbia gathered 132 participants from 12 jurisdictions, aiming to network and strengthen the role of women in the security sector. With a focus on preventing and addressing trauma caused by gender-based violence and incidents involving firearms misuse, the conference discussed good practices and lessons learned in law enforcement response to mass shootings and domestic violence. The event also amplified the role of women in the security sector, reinforcing their participation in shaping gender-responsive SALW control policies. 
• A total of 44 policewomen from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia gathered to network and discuss Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) control and preventing firearms misuse in violence. Through two networking meetings held in Belgrade and Sarajevo, participants explored the gender dimensions of SALW misuse and identified entry points for enhancing women's roles in SALW control policies, while also planning future activities.
• Through five workshops, 215 healthcare and legal professionals from 67 municipalities received training to improve their ability to identify risks of firearms misuse in violence and ensure victim safety. These sessions equipped medical and non-medical staff within the healthcare system to recognize individuals at risk of firearm misuse and collaborate with other institutions, particularly the police and public prosecutor’s offices, in managing (suspected) domestic violence cases. The training also covered procedures for reporting observed or documented changes in the psycho-physical condition of individuals with firearms licenses.
• A total of 51 police officers working on domestic violence cases gathered to exchange knowledge and best practices for handling cases involving SALW misuse. This activity emphasized effective strategies for preventing and responding to domestic violence and enhancing collaboration with local communities. 
• 4 CSOs received low-value grants to implement activities aimed at increasing community safety and protection of women from firearms-enabled violence. Their activities encompass improvement of community support services, increasing cooperation with local institutions and awareness raising activities addressing vulnerable groups, such as women in rural areas. A capacity-building session was organized with representatives of women’s civil society organizations working on domestic violence to enhance their knowledge of firearms misuse. The session focused on effectively handling these cases in collaboration with relevant institutions and developing safety plans for survivors at risk of firearms-related domestic violence.
• The MoI Department of Psychological Activities organized a capacity-building session for 31 representatives from the MoI Department of Psychological Activities, local police department psychologists, heads of police stations, and officers responsible for recruitment. The session focused on the early recognition of mental health risks that could lead to firearms misuse, as well as procedures for handling cases to prevent mental health issues related to domestic violence and suicide. In a separate initiative, this department provided support to police officers working on domestic violence cases, offering strategies to prevent burnout and effectively manage the stress associated with handling these sensitive situations.
• With the project’s support, the MoI implemented a campaign raising public awareness on  the consequences of (firearms-enabled) domestic violence and encouraging (anonymous) reporting of violence to the police. MoI’s communication efforts involved a campaign video and visuals published through both traditional and social media channels. This ensured a wide reach of diverse audiences, including both those directly affected by violence and bystanders, reaching over 400,000 views on social media and 670,000 viewers via the national public broadcasting service (RTS). Additionally, 33 media reports highlighted the consequences of domestic violence, including firearm misuse.
• Through engagement of an expert from the Brussels-based organization Victim Support Europe, the project assisted the Government of Serbia Working Group for the Establishment of a Memorial Center for the Victims of the Mass Shooting at Vladislav Ribnikar Elementary School, to identify key action points for healing and reconciliation within the community following the mass shootings at “Vladislav Ribnikar” Elementary School and villages of Mala Dubona and Orašje. The expert also participated in the Government’s working group to provide insight into international best practices on overcoming post-tragedy/mass shootings trauma.
• A three-day workshop strengthened the competencies and capacities of 31 professionals from the Institute for Mental Health, Centre for Youth, and University Clinical Centers in Belgrade, Novi Sad, and Niš in providing trauma-focused treatment for children, adolescents, and families who are direct or indirect victims of mass shootings. The training was delivered by Norwegian experts engaged through the project to enhance the capacities of mental health professionals in Serbia for therapy work. Through this activity, the project directly responds to the Ministry of Education's request for systematic approaches to healing following the May 2023, mass shootings and for providing trauma-focused assistance to those affected, including youth in crisis.
• A workshop gathering 15 media photographers and photo-reporters was held to improve their awareness on the ethical visual depiction of the problem of violence against women and mass shootings. This serves to support media reporting that contributes to violence prevention and a deeper public understanding of the effects of violence, including that committed through firearms misuse.         

Main challenges encountered

• Hindered communication with the Prime Minister’s Office, which is leading efforts around health system digitalization, caused delays in envisaged activities, due to the election of a new government.
• Ongoing protests across Serbia since November 2024 require the engagement of uniformed police officers, affecting the dynamics and timeline of planned activities, especially those involving MoI senior officers and uniformed police personnel.
• Mass murders and the trials of perpetrators have a profound emotional impact not only on the families of victims, but also on professionals, which should be addressed.