Ljubljana, 22 February (STA) - The parliament on Tuesday reviewed a special report of the ombudsman on domestic violence. With not a single dissenting vote, the lawmakers confirmed the opinion of the commission for petitions and human rights that domestic violence is a serious problem which can only be tackled on the national level. They also urged the government to adopt legislation on preventing domestic violence.

Although the vote was unanimous, the debate leading to it was rather ideological: unlike opposition MPs, who welcomed the report, the lawmakers of the conservative coalition parties thought that the report gives the unsubstantiated impression that family is a source of violence.

Majda Sirca of the opposition Liberal Democrats (LDS) rejected the view that talking about domestic violence is a devaluation of family. In thinking that the report accentuates domestic violence too much, the government doubts this problem exists, she said, wondering how the issue will be tackled if the government refuses to face it.

Dusan Kumer, an MP of the United List of Social Democrats (ZLSD), said that those who deny the problem exists have an idealised image of family. Domestic violence is an increasingly evident problem which must be tackled just like any other type of violence. While it had been perceived as an individual problem, it is now widely recognised as a broader social problem which requires systematic solutions, he said.

The right-leaning Slovenian Democrats (SDS) voted to confirm the report, but stressed that the report does not provide a comprehensive analysis and evaluation. However, domestic violence must be addressed decisively nevertheless, lawmaker Eva Irgl stressed. It is crucial to insist on zero tolerance to violence in all segments of society, she said.
The conservative New Slovenia (NSi) was displeased with the document and sided with the government opinion that it "promotes the devaluation of family". Stanislav Brencic of the People's Party (SLS), meanwhile thought that the document gives the impression that "fathers are merely thugs".

The hardline National Party (SNS) also labelled the report inappropriate for focusing on only one aspect of the issue. The coalition Pensioners' Party (DeSUS) only said that it expects the government to conduct a family policy that will deal with domestic violence.
Ombudsman Matjaz Hanzek also addressed the MPs after the heated debate. He opposes the government-proposed creation of a comprehensive law on the prevention of violence which would include domestic violence. "This is pretending ignorance," he said, adding that a special law with special methods is needed.

The parliament debated the report just one day after NGOs which deal with domestic violence urged the Ministry of Labour, Family and Social Affairs to clarify its view on domestic violence.

They were spurred by acting head of the ministry's directorate for family, who they say advocates the position that speaking about domestic violence is tantamount to speaking against family.

The four NGOs which joined the appeal also wanted to know whether the ministry would continue to fund projects designed to help victims of domestic violence.
The Ministry of Labour, Family and Social Affairs is headed by Janez Drobnic, a member of the conservative NSi.