The twenty-second Youth and Crime Conference, traditionally organised by the Maribor Police Department, took place today, 14 October 2025, at the Narodni dom in Maribor. This year's event is entitled From Victim to Perpetrator – Myth or Truth? In his address, Deputy Human Rights Ombudsman Dr. Jože Ruparčič emphasised the importance of cooperation, knowledge, and patience when working with young people, especially at a time when society is facing new forms of violence and the challenges of growing up.

"The fact that we meet here year after year shows that there is no shortage of challenges in working with young people, but also that there are still many among us who believe that they can be solved with cooperation, knowledge, and patience," said Dr. Ruparčič.

The Human Rights Ombudsman of the Republic of Slovenia consistently warns of zero tolerance for violence against children and adolescents. Deputy Ombudsman Dr. Ruparčič stressed that every child has the right to a safe environment, both at home and at school and in society in general. When this safety is threatened, it is the duty of adults to take action. He particularly highlighted peer violence, which has serious consequences and requires a holistic approach: understanding the victims, as well as the backgrounds of the perpetrators, without reducing their responsibility.

Dr. Ruparčič also drew attention to cases of domestic violence that the Ombudsman encounters in cases of appointing advocates who help them to strengthen their voice in various procedures. Advocates in the process can relieve children of the emotional burden they carry due to adult disputes and empower them. This is also an important concern of this institute, stressed Dr. Ruparčič.

He also mentioned some vulnerable groups that are more often subjected to forms of violence: these are children with special needs, children from other cultural backgrounds, those with a different sexual orientation, and children from socially disadvantaged families. They are often victims, but sometimes also perpetrators of violence, which requires a compassionate but decisive response from society.

The conference programme raised a number of questions, from whether minors today are really more dangerous than they used to be to what impact social conditions have on their development and behaviour. Concluding, Deputy Ombudsman Dr. Ruparčič also emphasised: "When we talk about young people, we cannot just talk about a problem, but about people in the making. A young person who crosses the line today can – with appropriate support – help others not to do so tomorrow«, before thanking everyone for creating a safe and respectful environment for all children and young people.