Domestic violence is a pressing social problem that most severely affects children. Due to their vulnerability and dependence on adults, children receive special protection from violence. In Slovenia, the protection of children from domestic violence is regulated by various legal provisions, among which the Domestic Violence Prevention Act plays a central role. This master’s thesis examines the legal regulation of special protection of children under the Slovene Domestic Violence Prevention Act and presents measures necessary to ensure the protection of child victims of domestic violence. Under the Slovene Domestic Violence Prevention Act, a child is considered a victim of violence even if they are merely present during an act of violence against another family member or live in an environment where violence occurs. The child’s best interests and rights must be prioritized over the interests and rights of other participants in legal proceedings. For children, there is also a stricter obligation to report violence, which enables early intervention by competent authorities and the protection of the child. To ensure the protection of the child, the court may, in addition to general measures, impose specific measures such as prohibiting the child from crossing the state border, revoking the child’s identity document, prohibiting the issuance of an identity document to the child, prohibiting the delivery of the child’s identity document or ordering an urgent medical examination, treatment, or other necessary medical procedures for the child. Some protective measures outlined in the Slovene Domestic Violence Prevention Act for child victims of domestic violence are similar to certain interlocutory injunctions under the Family Code, which the court can issue if the child is at risk. The court and the Slovene social work center play a crucial role in protecting a child who is a victim of domestic violence. However, due to the complexity of the issue, they require support from other authorities and organizations that interact with children. Comprehensive assistance for a child who is a victim of domestic violence can only be provided through cooperation of these entities.
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