Feminist Law

The introduction of the criminal offence of the aggravated murder of a female person into the Croatian Criminal Code represents an important normative step in recognising gender-based violence. Femicide is neither a crime of passion nor an isolated act of violence. Rather, it most often represents the final stage of a prolonged pattern of gender-based violence, preceded by humiliation, isolation, coercive control, and the gradual escalation of abusive behaviour.

For violence against women to be tackled, femicide laws must work in conjunction with prevention and early intervention. Implementing femicide as a criminal offence would send a clear message that efforts are being made to tackle violence against women, and legislators should give the matter serious consideration.

This essay argues that identifiable aspects of police culture play a significant role in enabling violence against women.