Access to free legal aid in Serbia from the perspective of municipal services

This study examines the practical implementation of the Law on Free Legal Aid (LFLA) in Serbia, with a particular focus on the provision of legal aid to victims of domestic violence. It aims to assess the accessibility, adequacy, and systemic challenges in service delivery through municipal free legal aid services. The research employed a cross-sectional survey design, collecting quantitative and qualitative data from Municipal Free Legal Aid Services (MFLAS) across Serbia between February and June 2022. The structured questionnaire targeted service provision practices and the barriers encountered by marginalized groups, including Romani women and women from rural areas. Findings reveal significant disparities in service provision, procedural delays, lack of standardized data collection, and institutional barriers that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. The study also identifies gaps in public outreach and highlights variations in how MFLAS implement the LFLA provisions. Strengthening institutional coordination, improving data collection practices, and conducting targeted public education campaigns are essential to enhance the accessibility and effectiveness of free legal aid services in Serbia. Addressing these issues is crucial to ensuring that victims of domestic and gender-based violence can fully exercise their rights to legal protection.