Murder of teacher in Gelnica: system failed to warn victim of aggressor's release
A man murdered his wife eleven days after a court released him from custody. The state did not inform her of his release because she did not request it herself.
Murder of teacher in Gelnica: system failed to warn victim of aggressor's release
A man who was serving a prison sentence for a February attack on his own wife was freed following a court decision. Eleven days later, he murdered her. According to available information, the state did not warn the woman of his release.
The Prison and Justice Guard Service stated that the victim must request notification herself. In this case, it recorded no such request, and therefore did not inform Zuzana V. of her husband's release. Notification of releases is standardly given only to courts or authorities conducting criminal proceedings.
Barbora Burajová, an expert on violence against women, told Denník N that the system as structured in this manner transfers responsibility to the victim. "It is not automatic; the victim must request the information. But often they do not know they have this option, or they no longer have the strength to request further protection," she said.
Zuzana V. had made it clear after the previous attack that she feared her husband, and she had requested protection. The court rejected her proposal for a restraining order.
According to Burajová, the state should have acted more proactively and warned the victim of the aggressor's release, or taken additional protective measures. "It appears that the system is unable to protect the victim even in cases known to the authorities," she added.
Source: Novinky.cz
Source: Novinky.cz