On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the Human Rights Ombudsman of the Republic of Slovenia (Ombudsman) once again warns that violence against women remains a serious social problem. Violence against women is a serious violation of human rights and a form of discrimination that restricts the freedom of women and girls, threatens their safety, and causes long-term psychological and physical consequences. The Ombudsman therefore calls for further strengthening of systemic efforts to prevent violence and for effective, dignified and victim-friendly treatment of all forms of violence.

The Ombudsman welcomes the measures taken by the state in recent years, such as the amendment of the criminal provisions on rape and sexual violence, which are now based on the absence of freely given consent; the abolition of the requirement that criminal prosecution in cases of violence by a partner or spouse be initiated only at the proposal of the victim; and the adoption of the Resolution on the National Programme for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Violence against Women 2024–2029.

The Ombudsman continues to highlight the need for systematic training of professionals in the judiciary, police, education, and social welfare. It also points out that Slovenia still does not have a special crisis centre for victims of rape and sexual violence, which would provide medical, forensic, and psychological treatment.

The Ombudsman once again stresses the need for national representative surveys on all forms of violence, including violence against children, the elderly, people with disabilities, Roma women, people with a migrant background, and other vulnerable groups. Without comprehensive data, it is not possible to formulate effective prevention and assistance policies.

The Ombudsman has also repeatedly called in the past for the lifting of all reservations of the Republic of Slovenia to the Istanbul Convention and welcomes steps in this direction. The lifting of reservations would further confirm Slovenia's commitment to the full implementation of the Convention and strengthening the protection of victims of violence.

This year, the UN International Day is specifically dedicated to digital violence against women and girls, which represents a rapidly growing and increasingly sophisticated form of violence. Digital tools are increasingly being misused to stalk, harass, intimidate, and attack the integrity of women. According to UN data, the most common forms of digital violence include unauthorised sharing of intimate images, online harassment and threats, sexual harassment, fake images (so-called deepfakes), publishing private data, online stalking, impersonation, and the operation of online communities that promote hatred towards women.

Digital violence is often not limited to the internet. It increases the risk of real physical, psychological, or sexual violence and can even lead to femicide. Women with public or online visibility are particularly vulnerable – journalists, politicians, activists, human rights defenders, and young women.

The Ombudsman therefore stresses that all forms of digital violence are unacceptable and must be subject to appropriate legal and institutional responses.

The Ombudsman also emphasises that each of us has an important role to play in recognising violence, supporting victims, and creating an environment in which violence is not tolerated. Everyone can contribute to change: by responding when they see violence or inappropriate behaviour, by drawing attention to harmful practices, and by advocating for equality, respect, and zero tolerance for violence.

Therefore, on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the Ombudsman specifically calls on everyone who sees violence in their environment (at home, in the local community, at work, or online) to report it to the police, centres for social work, or other competent institutions.

It is also important to eliminate harmful stereotypes and patterns in our environments that normalise or cover up violence. By raising awareness, having open conversations, and understanding the importance of free, clearly expressed consent, we contribute to creating a safer society. The examples we set for younger generations significantly shape their view of equality, respect, and human rights. It is therefore essential to talk to children and young people about consent, bodily autonomy, and responsibility in a way that is appropriate for their age. It is important that they understand that “yes” can only be clearly and freely expressed, that their body is theirs, and that each of us is responsible for our actions.