As part of the “Njena prava” campaign, following the recently held Forum, an important meeting took place between representatives of the Lara Foundation and the mayor of the city of Bijeljina. The topic of discussion was the previously submitted Initiative for Amendments to the Decision on Expanded Rights and Services in the Field of Social Protection, which was presented to the relevant institutions responsible for this issue and where ways to adopt the Initiative were discussed. The Initiative relates to the introduction of a permanent financial benefit for victims of domestic violence, as well as the consideration of issues related to free extended stay and daycare for children of violence victims. City representatives showed interest, and it was agreed to conduct a detailed analysis, as well as an assessment of the financial resources needed for further support.

"There is willingness and interest to adopt the initiative and thus provide better conditions for women victims of violence, enabling them to leave the violent community and continue living a normal life. It was agreed to conduct the necessary analysis and assessment of the financial resources needed to implement these forms of support," said representatives of the Lara Foundation.

Recall that at the mentioned Forum, Mayor Ljubiša Petrović supported the Initiative and proposed next steps, the meeting being the first in the series. Given that the rights proposed by the Initiative are not planned within the budget framework, he emphasized that they will certainly be included in the procedure through a draft rebalance, in order to create opportunities for empowering victims of violence.

The problem of the integration process and social cohesion of women victims of violence is complex and requires systemic solutions. It is expected that the next steps will be directed towards creating concrete solutions that will improve the position of women victims of violence in the city of Bijeljina, enhance the efficiency of the social protection system, and build a safe and inclusive environment.

Read more about this initiative on their Facebook page Njena prava.