Domestic violence is a common but tragic occurrence that affects both individuals and society as a whole. The question is when and how the state should intervene in the private sphere of the family, which has long been considered untouchable. The state is obligated to ensure the prevention and punishment of domestic violence, even if it means intervening in the private lives of individuals. The safety and well-being of the victim are more important than privacy, but aggressive state intervention can cause additional stress and suffering in families.

The entrenched nature of domestic violence in Montenegro is evident through a culture of silence and tolerance towards violence. Domestic violence is often seen as something personal that the state should not interfere with, leading victims to not seek help or receive necessary support when reporting.

Legislation clearly states that domestic violence is unacceptable and illegal, with consequent punishment for perpetrators. However, effective implementation requires a long-term approach that includes public education, strengthening support services for victims, training professionals, and promoting a zero-tolerance culture towards domestic violence through active involvement of all sectors of society. It is important for the public to understand how these laws work and how they can help victims of domestic violence.

The EKOS project, in collaboration with a network of 10 non-governmental organizations in Montenegro, actively participates in raising public awareness about the importance of legal regulation of domestic violence and all forms of violence based on gender:

• Conducting extensive campaigns to inform the public and raise awareness about gender equality and violence prevention.

• Training EKOS network members to understand, recognize, address, and support victims of violence.

• Interactive rural workshops for vulnerable groups conducted by empowered volunteers.

• Support for local public institutions to integrate gender equality into local strategic plans.

• Organization of roundtables and forums for representatives of various institutions, social work centers, police, judiciary, human rights lawyers, educational institutions, and media representatives.

• Preparation of online webinars and online Academy for gender equality and violence prevention.

• Publication of brochure titled "Gender Equality - More Than a Women's Issue"

By involving women and men together, EKOS creates a strong support network that can bring about positive changes in attitudes towards domestic violence.

The project EKOS  "Education and Economic Empowerment of Vulnerable Groups of Women and Girls in Montenegro " implemented by the  Zavod Krog/Institute Circle, NVU Impuls, and NVO Ikre in five participating cities (Nikšić, Berane, Rožaje, Plav, Bijelo Polje), highlights multifaceted approaches to raising awareness and improving the status of women and girls in Montenegro, with financial support by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia within the framework of international development cooperation.