Sexual and gender-based violence represents a human rights violation. It is a widespread global phenomenon, which is also present in Montenegro. The scale of the problem remains alarming and needs to be tackled seriously. 

Sexual abuse of children and women is still a taboo in Montenegro, so this issue needs to be discussed publicly. This project aims to raise awareness among citizens, the media, institutions and people who have experienced sexual violence about the presence of sexual violence in Montenegro, its forms and the availability of help and support services. In this respect, the project will feature a campaign to raise public awareness about the fact that sexual violence does occur in Montenegro, as well as a campaign to improve the position of sexual violence survivors.

During the two-year implementation period, the project will strengthen the capacities of women’s NGOs to provide assistance and support to women and children who have experienced sexual violence and promote their rights. Additionally, the project will contribute to establishing a system for monitoring the alignment of Montenegro’s legislative and strategic framework with European standards, while it will also involve an analysis of the situation in practice and advocacy for enhancing support for people who have experienced sexual violence.