Second Meeting of the Network of Lawyers Providing Support to Women Victims of Violence

The Council of Europe network, composed of specialized lawyers and NGOs providing support to women victims of violence, held its second meeting on 18–19 September 2025 in Strasbourg, dedicated to the topic: “Providing Legal Aid and Representation to Migrants, Asylum Seekers, and Refugees Who Are Victims of Gender-Based Violence through Strategic Litigation.”

Hristina Zdraveska, a lawyer from STANICA PET and a member of this network, participated in the meeting alongside independent lawyers and representatives from specialized women’s organizations providing legal representation to victims of gender-based violence from 26 Council of Europe member states.

The network focuses its work on strengthening advocacy capacities, fostering networking, and promoting cooperation among its members.

The meeting provided participants with the opportunity to share experiences in advocating for women who are victims of violence in asylum procedures, applications for independent residence permits in the context of domestic violence, and the impact of conditions in asylum reception centers. Various approaches were discussed for overcoming the barriers faced by migrant women and asylum seekers in representation before national and international courts, as well as for identifying effective strategies for the successful conduct of legal proceedings.

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