In an era where legal education is increasingly called upon to address real-world challenges, the role of mentorship and student engagement has never been more vital. This article highlights how the principles of Opportunity, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) can be effectively advanced through academic work that bridges theory and practice. By showcasing student research on domestic violence and the guidance of dedicated faculty, it demonstrates how legal education can move beyond the classroom to drive meaningful social change.
We proudly recognize and commend the outstanding work of students from South East European University, Iva Stefanovska and Bojana Velkovska, authors of the article “From Silence to Visibility: The Role of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Preventing Domestic Violence.”
This contribution reflects the core mission of our University: to foster academic excellence that is closely connected to societal impact. The students’ work demonstrates not only a high level of legal analysis, but also a strong sense of social responsibility. By addressing domestic violence through data, institutional critique, and a human rights perspective, they contribute meaningfully to raising awareness and fostering a culture of reporting, protection, and accountability.
We particularly emphasize the essential role of their mentor, Prof. Dr. Arta Mero, Professor of Family Law and Inheritance Law and ODEI Officer at South East European University. Through her dedicated mentorship, students are guided not only to understand the legal framework, but also to critically engage with the realities behind the law. Her approach reflects the values of modern legal education, combining doctrinal knowledge with clinical insight, ethical responsibility, and a strong commitment to social justice. As ODEI Officer, her leadership ensures that the principles of Opportunity, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are not merely abstract ideals, but are actively integrated into teaching, research, and student engagement.
This work is a clear example of how mentorship and institutional values come together to produce meaningful outcomes. The students’ analysis highlights the complexity of domestic violence, including its less visible forms, and underscores the need for stronger institutional coordination and more inclusive support systems.
At the same time, the article powerfully advances the principles of ODEI:
- promoting opportunity through access to justice and protection mechanisms;
- recognizing diversity in the experiences of victims across all backgrounds;
- advocating for equity in institutional responses;
- and fostering inclusion by encouraging victims to speak without fear or stigma.
Such initiatives reflect our University’s commitment to developing future legal professionals who are not only knowledgeable, but also empathetic, engaged, and ready to contribute to a more just and inclusive society.
We remain proud of our students and their mentor, whose work embodies the transformative power of education—turning knowledge into action, and action into societal change.
Below you can read the full version of the article.
FROM SILENCE TO VISIBILITY: THE ROLE OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION IN PREVENTING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Domestic violence in North Macedonia is increasingly coming out of the shadows, and recent data show a concerning trend. In 2024 alone, 101 cases of psychological violence were reported—almost twice as many as in the previous two years, when 57 cases were recorded in 2022 and 56 in 2023. This increase may indicate two things: that violence is indeed rising, but also that victims are increasingly recognizing it and feel more encouraged to report it.
Particularly concerning are the data from the Sector for Internal Affairs in Tetovo. In the period from 2022 to 2024, a total of 1,667 cases of domestic violence were reported, along with 28 cases of sexual violence. Although the number of sexual violence cases is significantly lower, an upward trend is evident, especially in cases involving minor victims.
An additional problem is that data from different institutions often do not match. This points to insufficient inter-institutional coordination and the absence of a unified, functional system for monitoring cases of violence.
Violence Has Many Faces and Not All Leave Bruises
When discussing domestic violence, physical injury is often what first comes to mind. However, the reality is much broader. Psychological control, economic dependence, constant threats, humiliation, and forced sexual relations are also forms of violence that leave deep consequences, even though they are often not visible.
Victims can be women, men, children, and elderly individuals—especially those who are economically or emotionally dependent on the abuser. Many do not recognize their situation as violence, as it often develops gradually and is disguised as “care,” “control out of love,” or “jealousy.”
The reasons why victims remain silent are often similar: fear of retaliation, financial dependence, feelings of shame or guilt, as well as distrust in institutions. It is precisely this combination of factors that keeps violence hidden behind closed doors.
Why ODEI Can Be Part of the Solution
One of the concepts increasingly mentioned in violence prevention is ODEI—an acronym for Opportunity, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. This approach is applied by institutions and organizations worldwide to create fairer and more inclusive societies, where all individuals have equal access to rights, protection, and support.
In the context of domestic violence, the principles of ODEI imply several important aspects. First, diversity reminds us that violence can occur in any family, regardless of education, social status, or cultural background. Second, equity ensures that every victim has fair and effective access to protection, institutional assistance, and legal support. Third, inclusion involves creating an environment in which victims are encouraged to speak out and seek help without fear of judgment or marginalization.
When these principles are absent, violence is easily normalized. A culture of silence emerges, cases go unreported, and victims become isolated. Over time, patterns of violence are repeated and passed down from generation to generation.
How the Findings Were Reached
This research is based on an analysis of institutional reports from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and social services, available statistical data for the period 2022–2024, as well as information from crisis centers, non-governmental organizations, and victim support and protection programs. The data were compared to identify trends, discrepancies, and systemic weaknesses.
The conclusion is clear: domestic violence is not a private matter, but a social responsibility. Greater visibility, accurate data, and the application of ODEI principles are the first steps from silence to protection, and from silence to justice. Combating domestic violence is not only about punishing perpetrators, but also about building a more inclusive and just society in which victims feel safe to speak out.
*The authors of this article are students at the Faculty of Law at South East European University in Tetovo: Iva Stefanovska and Bojana Velkovska.
