Months of work on establishing a systemic response to domestic violence in Bratunac are entering an important final phase. The Action Plan for the Prevention and Suppression of Domestic Violence for the Municipality of Bratunac for the period 2026–2031 will be presented to the councilors of the Bratunac Municipal Assembly at the next regular session, scheduled for September 1, 2026.

On August 24, the Board of the Bratunac Municipal Assembly accepted that the consideration and adoption of the Action Plan be included in the agenda of the next session, and the complete document has already been published as part of the official parliamentary materials on the website of the Municipality of Bratunac.

Thus, the campaign implemented by the Women's Association "Priroda" Bratunac within the framework of the PRAGG project has come one step closer to its key goal, the adoption of a local policy that should improve the prevention of violence, protection and support for victims, and cooperation between institutions that act in cases of domestic violence.

The document itself sent to the Assembly confirms that this is the result of joint work by various stakeholders. It stated that the adoption of the Action Plan was initiated by the “Priroda” Women’s Union in cooperation with the “Maja” Women’s Union and the “ART” association, while representatives of the Center for Social Work, the police, the Health Center, schools and preschool institutions, local government and the municipal Gender Equality Commission participated in its development.

The process that began at the beginning of the year brought together institutions and organizations that have different, but related, roles in the prevention of violence and protection of victims. After the initial advocacy meetings, a roundtable “Domestic Violence is a Social Problem” was held in March, followed by joint workshops at which specific measures of the future Action Plan were defined.

"The development of this plan itself took place through a series of meetings with allies and potential opponents, family members at risk of violence and women victims of violence, as well as through workshops to collect data for situational analysis and setting goals, measures and indicators for this plan. The process was also accompanied by the printing and distribution of leaflets, posts on Facebook and the production and distribution of video stories, so it was very participatory and transparent," emphasized Željana Pjevalica from UŽ "Priroda".

The proposed Action Plan is planned for the period from 2026 to 2031, and its general goal is to improve prevention and a multi-sectoral response to domestic violence in the Bratunac area. The measures are grouped into three key areas: improving prevention through information, education and awareness-raising; strengthening the system of protection, assistance and support for victims; and improving the system of prosecuting perpetrators of violence.

The local budget is also envisaged as a source of financing for part of the planned activities, along with other project and donor funds. Thus, the adoption of the document would constitute the basis for the continued joint work of institutions and organizations through specific measures and their implementation over the next five years.

The need for such an approach is also confirmed by the data of the Bratunac Police Station contained in the Action Plan. During 2025, 21 cases of domestic violence were reported, compared to 17 cases the year before. The document particularly emphasizes the need for constant improvement of the activities of all institutions and organizations that come into contact with victims of violence and strengthening their cooperation.

"Of course, we expect the adoption of this plan, which will allow the Assembly councilors to demonstrate their responsibility towards solving one of the priority social problems. However, the adoption of the Plan will be followed by monitoring its implementation and assessment in accordance with the set indicators, which implies continued cooperation of the working group that developed the Plan," said Pjevalica.

The decision of the councilors on September 1 will represent the next important step, from the initiative and joint development of the document to its formal adoption and creating the basis for the implementation of the planned measures in Bratunac.

Follow the latest developments on the association's Facebook page.