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TRAINING FOR JUDGES AND PUBLIC PROSECUTORS ON THE TOPIC OF ADVOCACY AND LOBBYING WHEN CHILDREN ARE THE VICTIMS OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE.  
Dragi Zmijanac (M.A.) conducted a training course with the Academy for training of judges and public prosecutors, on the topic: “Advocacy when children are the victims of sexual abuse and lobbying for stricter punishment of pedophiles” and “STUDY OF CASES REPORTED THRUGH THE S.O.S. LINE FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTHS ( 0800 1 2222-TOLL FREE LINE) AND FREE LEGAL SERVICES WITH THE FIRST CHILDREN’S EMBASSY IN THE WOLRD – MEGJASHI – when the victimized child alters its statement or sticks to the original one with the help of his close family”.

Discussions/Q & A

There were discussions about the judges and responsible persons that engage contact with a child that is a victim of (sexual) violence, that they should approach the children with maximum care and caution. The statement that is taken from the child should be taken only once, in a relaxed atmosphere in the presence of a judge, pedagogue, psychologist and a person from the Social works centre; facing the rapist is out of he question. The judges asked from the Children’s Embassy Megjashi to give them support in the efforts for every trial court to have a special room for interviewing child witnesses or victims. With amendments to the PENAL CODE, punishments for pedophiles are increased. 

Conclusions about the training

The fight against pedophilia asks for a team and multi-disciplinary approach, by cooperation with civic organizations and government institutions, specifically through Centers for social work, the legal apparatus, the District Attorney, the Police and schools. It implies synchronized and joint actions of all factors involved in the education and care of children, like the family, governmental institutions and civic organizations.