ROD U JAVNIM SFERAMA: PRAVO I POLITIKA
GENDER IN THE PUBLIC SPHERE: LAW AND POLITICS

Author(s): Adriana Matković, Marin Milevoj, Darija Spasić, Đorđe Gajić, Tijana Veselinović
Subject(s): Gender Studies, Gender history, Studies in violence and power
Published by: Institut za filozofiju i društvenu teoriju
Keywords: femicide; gender-based violence; murder of women; discrimination; patriarchy; criminal law; gender equality; femicide; Yugoslavia; murder; gender-based violence; modern law; rape victims
Summary/Abstract: The paper investigates the phenomenon of femicide as the most extreme form of gender-based violence against women, emphasizing its deep roots in the structural injustices of society. Statistics indicate alarming statistics of murders of women around the world, confirming the widespread presence of violence against women that cannot be ignored. The paper analyzes the need for a more precise definition of femicide in legislation, highlighting the shortcomings of current approaches. Special attention was paid to the recent change in the Criminal Code in the Republic of Croatia, which introduced femicide as a separate criminal offense, prompting lively public discussions. The paper questions whether such a change could improve gender equality or is it unnecessary and discriminatory. Furthermore, the analysis of judicial practice in Croatia in relation to cases of femicide provides an insight into the way in which the judicial system deals with this serious form of violence against women. The paper highlights the responsibility of the state in ensuring justice and protecting the rights of its citizens, emphasizing that the punishment comes too late when the crime has already been committed, and therefore it is necessary to act on the prevention of gender-based violence, creating an environment in which women are safe and live without fear.

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