As legal systems continue to evolve, so too must our understanding of what constitutes violence. In North Macedonia, legislative reforms inspired by the Istanbul Convention represent an important step forward by recognizing that domestic violence is not measured solely by physical harm, but also by the profound impact it can have on a victim’s mental health, dignity, and autonomy.
However, legislation alone is not enough.
Unlike physical violence, psychological abuse rarely leaves tangible evidence. Lawyers are therefore entrusted with the challenging task of building cases through electronic communications, witness testimony, psychological evaluations, and other indirect evidence, while advocating for a broader understanding of violence before courts and institutions.
The article also explores:
- The impact of the recent amendments to North Macedonia’s Criminal Code;
- The importance of the Istanbul Convention and the European Convention on Human Rights in protecting victims;
- The role of the case law of the European Court of Human Rights in shaping the legal recognition of psychological violence; and
- Why lawyers play a crucial role not only as advocates, but also as educators and agents of legal change.
Violence does not begin with the first blow- it begins with the first threat, the first humiliation, and the first moment fear becomes part of everyday life.
Recognizing those invisible forms of violence is a responsibility shared by legal professionals, institutions, and society alike.
Read the full article by Senior Associate Marija Boceska, from JPM Skopje office, to learn more about the evolving legal recognition of psychological domestic violence and why this issue deserves greater attention.
