E-book: 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM TO END VIOENCE AGAINST

What is
violence
against
women?
V
iolence against women and girls is one
of the most widespread violations of
human rights. It can include physical, sexual,
psychological and economic abuse, and it cuts
across boundaries of age, race, culture, wealth
and geography. It takes place in the home,
on the streets, in schools, the workplace, in
farm fields, refugee camps, during conflicts
and crises. It has many manifestations —
from the most universally prevalent forms
of domestic and sexual violence, to harmful
practices, abuse during pregnancy, so-called
honour killings and other types of femicide.
What about violence
against women and girls?
V
iolence against women and girls is one of the most widespread human
rights violations in the world. It is deeply rooted in gender discrimination
and inequality. No woman or girl is entirely free of its risk, and no country
goes unharmed by its impact.
Violence against women and girls, also known as gender based violence, is
internationally recognized as a human rights issue. Until recently, gender
based violence was treated as a private or a family problem. But nowadays, it
is generally accepted that gender based violence is a social and public health
concern which permeates all spheres of a society. Women are subjected
to discrimination and violence in many areas of life; in communities,
in schools, at work, at home…etc. It is apparent that women have fewer
opportunities when seeking a job, that they constitute a larger percentage
of those unemployed, and therefore are more susceptible and vulnerable to
discrimination, violence, human trafficking, sexual abuse and/or coercion.
The United Nations General Assembly defines violence against women as “any
act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical,
sexual or mental harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts,
coercion or arbitrary deprivation of
liberty, whether occurring in public or
in private life.”
The United Nations Declaration on the
Elimination of Violence against Women
(1993) recognizes that “violence
against women is a manifestation of
historically unequal power relations
between men and women, which
has led to domination over and
discrimination against women by
men and to the prevention of the full
advancement of women. The UN and
the Council of Europe have expressed
concerns that certain groups of
women are more susceptible to GBV,
especially minorities and refugees, as
well as those in poverty. Youth is also a
crucial group when it comes to gender
based violence. There are parallels
between gender based violence in
relationships among adolescents and
adult relationships. Gender based
violence also tends to spiral out of
control, from verbal and emotional
abuse, to sexual abuse and murder.
We must work together on the
prevention
and
elimination
of
violence against women and girls. It
is important to know what constitutes
gender based violence and domestic
violence, how to recognize it, who are
the most vulnerable groups, what are
some of the root causes, as well as
what programs are available to help
those in need and how these programs
could be improved.
• In a 10-country study on domestic
violence by the World Health
Organization (WHO), between 15
and 71 percent of women reported
physical or sexual violence by a
husband or partner.
• Among women aged between 15
and 44, acts of violence cause more
death and disability than cancer,
malaria, traffic accidents and war
combined.
• In 2006, women and girls comprised
79 percent of victims of human
trafficking.
• More than 60 million girls worldwide
are forced into early marriage before
the age of 18.
• It is estimated that 100 to 140
million girls and women worldwide
are currently living with the
consequences of female genital
mutilation/cutting, and 3 million
girls are estimated to be at risk
every year.
source: UN WOMEN
duty and
obligation of
It is a
each of us to stand
up against gender
based violence
What forms of violence
against women and girls exist
and how can I recognize them?
I
t is very hard to draw a full picture of the scope of violence against women.
The majority of these acts happen within the four walls of the home and
frequently due to factors of shame, fear, guilt and lack of information about
adequate support services, it remains silent and unreported.
PSYCHOLOGICAL ABUSE
•Forms of abuse used in order to gain power and control, with an aim to
raise fear. Some of the examples of psychological abuse are: prohibitions,
threats, insults, scorn, ridicule, contempt, blackmail, restriction and
control of movement, isolation, destruction of objects, verbal aggression,
threats to seize custody of children, etc.
•Risk to the mental health and personality of the victim
PHYSICAL ABUSE:
•Hitting, slapping, pulling hair, pushing, twisting arms, stabbing, strangling,
choking, hitting with fists, feet or objects, injury by weapons, and murder.
•Risk of minor and / or serious bodily injury.
SEXUAL ABUSE
•Sexual harassment, sexual abuse, incest, involuntary sexual acts, rape,
and any sexual act committed against the will of another person.
•Sexual relations under duress by threats or physical force, forced or
unwanted relationship or relationships with others.
•Physical and psychological violence
ECONOMIC ABUSE
•Prohibited employment, handling money and property, leaving no food
and the denial of basic needs.
•Denial and withdrawal of funds, failure to pay child support and other
forms of abuse that leave victim without means of livelihood
“Violence against
women and girls is wide
spread, but it is not
inevitable. We can stop
it. UNIFEM, part of UN
Women, works jointly
with other UN agencies
to catalyze action, to
respond to, and prevent
violence against women
as a priority.”
Erika Kvapilova
Regional Program Director UNIFEM CEE (part of UN WOMEN)
What about the cycle of violence?
T
he term cycle of violence refers to repeated acts of violence as a cyclical
pattern, associated with high emotions and doctrines of retribution or
revenge. The pattern, or cycle, repeats and can happen many times during a
relationship. Each phase may last a different length of time and over time the
level of violence may increase. It often refers to violent behavior learned as
a child and then repeated as an adult, therefore continuing on in a perceived
cycle
The build-up phase
This phase may begin with normal relations between the people in the
relationship, but involves escalating tension marked by increased verbal,
emotional or financial abuse. In non-violent relationships these issues can
normally be resolved between the people in the relationship.
The stand over phase
This phase can be extremely frightening for people affected by domestic and
family violence. The behavior of the person who uses violence in relationships
escalates to the point that a release of tension is inevitable. The person
affected may feel that they are ‘walking on egg shells’ and fear that anything
they do will cause the situation to deteriorate further.
Explosion
The explosion stage marks the peak of violence in the relationship. It is the
height of abuse by the person who uses violence to control and gain power over
others. The person who commits domestic and family violence experiences a
release of tension during an explosion phase, which may become addictive.
They may be unable to deal with their anger any other way.
The honeymoon phase
During the honeymoon phase of the cycle of violence, both people in the
relationship may be in denial as to how bad the abuse and violence was.
Both people do not want the relationship to end, so are happy to ignore the
possibility that the violence could occur again. After some time, this stage
will fade and the cycle may begin again.
"A man who
doesn't respect
and abuses
women cannot
be a real man"
Yuri Afanasiev
UNDP Resident Representative and UN coordinator for BiH
What about Justice system?
V
iolence against women and girls is one of the most serious challenges of
our time, not only does it violate fundamental human rights, it prevents
women and girls around the world from achieving their full potential. States
have a responsibility to promote and protect women’s rights and to insist
upon the accountability of perpetrators.
In BiH, governments and donors are currently working jointly to strengthen
several areas in the field of justice in order to enhance entity and local
capacities to address the issue of gender based violence
Implementation of laws:
Slow implementation of existing laws in BiH allows many perpetrators to
evade justice and avoid punishment. The main problem that appears in the
application of the existing laws is that there are no commonly acknowledged
standard definitions on the concept of domestic violence.
Only
5%
of all acts of violence
against women are
officially reported*
The Human Rights House and the Informal NGO Coalition:
Report for universal periodic review, Bosnia and Herzegovina, September 2009
Reporting the violence:
All over South Eastern Europe high levels of violence against women have
been reported. Bosnia and Herzegovina is no exception in this regard. On
the contrary, the number of reported cases of domestic violence in BiH
is steadily increasing. In spite of the magnitude of the problem, Bosnian
society has failed for a long time to recognize the prevalence of GBV and
domestic violence as a significant issue.
Domestic violence is still largely viewed as a private, family matter that
should remain outside the realm or influence of the state.
In 2008, for example, 1631 cases of domestic violence were reported in the
Federation and 259 in Republika Srpska. In both entities, the majority of
verdicts were parole sentences and fines, and less than 3% of cases ended
in imprisonment. Ubiquitous practice of lenient punishments is part of
underestimating the seriousness of the domestic violence problem.
The purpose of punishing perpetrators of violence and achieving redress
for victims cannot be achieved only through criminal proceedings. It is
also necessary to simultaneously connect criminal proceedings with the
imposition of safeguard measures in accordance with the Law on Protection
of Victims of Domestic violence.
The problem is generally ignored and remains largely misunderstood.
“Violence
against women
is not only the
victim’s problem.
Everybody is
responsible. We
should act together
to stop it.”
Samra Filipović-Hadžiabdić
Director of Gender Equality Agency of FBiH
What is UNSC 1325 ?
A
United Nations resolution (UN resolution) is a formal text adopted by a
United Nations (UN) body. Most resolutions are issued by the Security
Council or the General Assembly.
On 31st of October 2000, Resolution 1325 was adopted by the Security Council.
Bosnia and Herzegovina adopted its national action plan on the 27th of July
2010, the first Balkan state to do so.
This resolution states the “important role of women in the prevention of
conflicts and in peace building, and stressing the importance of their equal
participation and full involvement in all efforts for the maintenance and
promotion of peace and security, and the need to increase their role in
decision making with regard to conflict prevention and resolution….”
But why should women be involved in the prevention and resolution of
conflicts?
• Women and girls have different experiences of conflicts.
• Women can offer a fresh perspective and alternative ideas during conflict
and post conflict situations.
• Women have an important role in the prevention of conflicts and in peace
building
Priority gender-specific provisions in peace accords are women’s physical
security and human rights guarantees. UNIFEM (part of UN Women) review
of 24 major peace agreements done in 1992-2008 shows that only 2.5% of
signatories of these agreements were women.
Good governance requires equal participation and full involvement of women
in all efforts for the maintenance and promotion of peace and security.
One of the things that women need in Bosnia and Herzegovina is a chance
to participate and to be involved in the planning of their country’s future.
Women don’t just need to know about UNSCR1325, women need to be
empowered to implement it. Women and men need to work together to not
only raise awareness about this important resolution, but to emphasize the
urgent need for women’s voices to be heard and their ideas incorporated
throughout the post-conflict process.
In 2006, the Bosnian entity governments introduced legislation on civilian victims of
war that also applies to victims of sexual violence during the 1992-1995 war.
The law on entitlement of civilian victims of war to governmental support was spurred
on by women activists, who gathered 50,000 signatures to push for greater recognition and relief for women victims of sexual violence during the war in which women
were subjected to mass rape and forced pregnancies, as well as UNSC Resolution 1325
calling for increased assistance for women in post-conflict societies.
Despite the success there are, however, shortcomings in terms of implementation of
the law with respect to the principle of non-discrimination. The renewed initiative
by the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees to formulate a national strategy on
reparation is therefore of huge significance. It raises the hope that women subjected
to sexual violence and torture during the war will eventually have their needs recognized fully in a non-discriminatory manner and their dignity restored.
“Violence against women is a
criminal act and requires urgent
attention from the state level.”
“Since the Criminal law changed in
2002, domestic violence is no longer
treated as public safety offence, but
as a criminal act.”
Jasminka Džumhur
Ombudsmen BiH for Human Rights
Anisa Pašić
Police woman – 2nd Police HQ, Canton Sarajevo
What about sex workers?
I
n 2005 the International Committee on the Rights of Sex Workers in Europe
(ICRSE) adopted the red umbrella as a symbol of resistance to discrimination
and abuse. Red is a color of beauty and an umbrella is the resistance to
attacks from the sky and by humans.
According to a broad definition, sex work is the exchange of money or goods
for sexual services, either regularly or occasionally, involving female, male,
The red umbrella was first used by sex workers in Venice, Italy in 2001.
Slovenian artist Tadej Pogačar collaborated with sex workers to create the
"Prostitute Pavillion" and CODE: RED art installation.
On the occasion of the 49th Venice Biennale of Art in 2001 they walked
the streets together out and proud in a Red Umbrellas March. Sex
workers marched the streets of Venice and used megaphones and red
umbrellas, drawing attention to the bad work conditions and the
human rights abuses they face. The march started at the Pavilion
tent and went through the city centre.
and transgender adults, young people and children where the sex worker
may or may not consciously define such activity as income-generating.
In Bosnia and Herzegovina sex work is illegal and sex workers are a hidden
population. Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country with female sex worker
prevalence ranging between 0,4% and 1,4% (from Estimates of the number
of female sex workers in different regions of the world, STI online).
Sex Workers are a very vulnerable group. In Bosnian-Herzegovinian society
sex workers are highly stigmatized and often subjected to humiliation,
labeling and condemnation. They are regarded as immoral and deserving
of punishment. As a result, they are frequently deemed as "easy targets" for
harassment and violence. Most sex workers consider violence as "normal"
or "part of their job" and do not have proper information about their rights.
85% women engaged to sex work are victims of psychological,
physical and/or sexual violence by their husband, family members, clients and pimps.
4 in 5 sex workers suffer psychological violence.
2 in 3 sex workers suffer physical violence.
3 in 5 sex workers suffer sexual violence.
Each seventh sex worker suffers violence from a weapon.
80% of sex workers do not report experienced violence to law
enforcement agencies.
Association PROI, Population research on GBV prevalence gainst female sex
workers in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Supported by UNIFEM, AUG-OCT 2010
What about Roma women?
"Roma women for life" without violence is a comprehensive programme
established in order to strengthen Roma women and Roma communities in
their fight against discrimination and violence against women, domestic
violence in particular, marginalization of the Roma and their organizations in
the law- and policy-making processes.
Roma women are particularly vulnerable owing to widespread prejudices that
violence against women is part of the Roma culture. These prejudices affect
the work of government institutions. The State has failed to create either an
adequate environment in which victims of violence against women can come
forward or provide an effective support network for those victims to be able
to obtain help and report cases of violence. Roma women victims of violence
rarely report cases due to fear, shame, and lack of information about where
and from whom to seek help. When violence occurs they neither expect nor
receive support from their family, community or the government.
X.Y. from one of the Roma communities says the following:
“... I went to the Centre with my mother because my husband beat me up. I
was approaching childbirth and was under age. A gentleman from the Centre
went to the hospital with us, when they helped me, and then to a safe house.
I did not stay there long. I had to return to my husband again. My family is
afraid of him. And it is all the same all over again. I don’t ask for help from
anyone anymore.”
Text is selected from “Report on Domestic Violence against Roma Women in Bosnia and Herzegovina” –
Rights For All
“Significant number of
divorces in our country
is a result of domestic
violence. Women, if you
report the violence, legislation system will protect you.”
Lejla Fazlagić, judge
Municipal Court Sarajevo
“Citizens of Sarajevo
should know best
that violence has no
justification.”
Miroslav Živanović
Sarajevo Deputy Mayor
“There is no situation
that justifies violence. If
we do not deal with the
violence, violence will
deal with us.”
Sabiha Husić
Director , Medica Zenica
“I demand zero
tolerance on women
abuse.”
Enisa Salčinović
President of women section
of Canton Sarajevo Association of Concentration Camp
Torture Survivors
What about kids?
V
iolence against women and girls effects kids on many levels. In some
cases of domestic violence, the children themselves will suffer physical
or sexual abuse from the same perpetrator; or they will be affected in some
way by tensions or by witnessing arguments, distressing behavior or assaults
- even if they do not always show this.
A father who respects his children’s mother sets up a valuable template for
both his sons and his daughters. For his sons, he displays a role model which
the growing male can take as his own model for treating all the women in his
life, from his mother and sisters, to his ultimate life partner.
Children will react in different ways to being brought up in a home with a
violent person. They may feel that they are to blame, or they may feel angry,
guilty, insecure, alone, frightened, powerless, or confused. They may have
ambivalent feelings, both towards the abuser, and towards the non-abusing
parent.
Keep in mind - to protect you children,
you must first protect yourself.
These are some of the effects of domestic violence on children:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
They may become anxious or depressed.
They may have difficulty sleeping.
They may have nightmares or flashbacks.
They may complain of physical symptoms such as tummy aches.
They may start to wet their bed.
They may behave as though they are much younger than they are.
They may have problems at school, or may start truanting.
They may become aggressive.
They may internalize their distress and withdraw from other people.
They may have a lowered sense of self-worth.
Older children may start to use alcohol or drugs.
They may begin to self-harm by taking overdoses or cutting themselves.
They may develop an eating disorder.
“Universal Declaration
of Human Rights states
that all human beings are
born equal. Unfortunately,
women are not treated as
human beings in all parts
of the world.”
Saša Madacki
Director of Human Rights
Centre of University of
Sarajevo
“Women are most common
victims of domestic
violence, but do not
forget that their children
suffer too. That is why
our country, Bosnia and
Herzegovina, must have
zero tolerance on domestic
violence issue.”
Nada Golubović
President of Association “Women
United” Banja Luka
What about Prejudice and Stereotypes?
P
romoting gender equality is a critical part in the prevention of gender
based violence.
Social expectations that define appropriate behavior for women and men
can contribute to gender inequities in access to health care, education,
employment opportunities, levels of income, political participation and
representation and other activities such as sports. Often gender inequalities
increase the risk of acts of violence against women and girls.
The Law on Gender Equality in BiH that "regulates, promotes and protects
gender equality and guarantees equal opportunities for all citizens," was
adopted in 2006. However it is obvious that gender equality has not been fully
achieved and discrimination and inequity based solely on a person’s gender is
present in all spheres of life in BiH, in particular in media representation of
women's roles in sports, culture and politics.
Nowadays women are represented in almost all sports; unfortunately the
media does not give them equal attention. Despite winning a BiH state
championship for the eighth time in a row, very few people know of SFK 2000
Sarajevo girls’ soccer team’s success.
The media is undeniably powerful in shaping and defining the public discourse,
including the perseverance of gender roles and the possible projection of
negative and stereotypical images of women. While male athletes, especially
those in soccer or basketball, get media coverage regardless of their success
(stories about their vacations, details of an injury such as a sprained foot,
etc.), the same treatment is not guaranteed for female athletes not even
when they bring home gold medals from international competition.
The
Association of
BiH Journalists conducted a study on “Monitoring
of printed media in BiH Prevalence and portrayal of
women in the media”, and
these are some of their
findings:
• Women are marginalized in the
media, they are misrepresented
and underrepresented
• They are not addressed in a
gender-appropriate way
• The media presents women
more like transmitters of someone else’s opinion rather than
as protagonists of the events
with a strong personal view on
the subject at hand
• The media is not sensitive to
women's issues nor does it portray the success of women
• Media reproduces a patriarchal
model of women in a society
• The portrayal of women is almost identical in all local media, which might mean that
there is a dominant discourse in
the community
What about youth?
O
ne of the best ways to prevent gender based violence is to work with
young people. Youth is the solution and not the problem.
Violence is a serious issue which directly affects the lives of many young
people. It often results in lasting damage to their well-being and integrity,
putting even their lives at risk. Gender-based violence, including violence
against women, remains a key human rights challenge in contemporary Europe
and in the world.
Focusing on educating young people is crucial in order to foster positive
attitudes towards gender equality and to instill zero tolerance for violence
against women and girls. It is at this early stage of life that values and norms
about gender equality are embedded. Working with adolescents (both girls
and boys) presents an invaluable opportunity to cultivate future generations
in which violence against women is no longer commonplace or tolerated.
Youth participation is not an end in itself, but a means to achieve positive
changes in young people’s lives and build a culture of prevention.
Youth participation is one of the guiding principles of the Convention on the
Rights of the Child and as such it is a fundamental right for young people as
it enables them to express their views and opinions, receive information, be
included and assume duties and responsibilities, influence policy outcomes
and involve themselves in all matters that affect their own lives in keeping
with their age and maturity.
Youth participation is crucial to end violence against women and girls.
•
A large number of young people do not report incidents of violence
in their relationship. The main reasons listed are: shame (34%), fear of
revenge (19%), fear that the partner might end the relationship (13%), and
feeling responsible for causing violence (13%).
•
69% of youth said that they have been in abusive relationships where
the other person was extremely jealous and that 50% of youth perceive
jealousy as an expression of love and commitment in a relationship.
•
When witnessing a couple using violence to solve their problems in a
relationship, 36% of youth stated that the best thing to do is to stay away.
•
"When women say in NO, in fact, they mean YES!" 46% of young men
agreed with this statement.
Research conducted in 2009 by Vesta Association BiH
“The prevalence of gender-based violence in adolescent relationships”
“A man who abuses women to demonstrate his superiority is, in fact,
inferior in all areas.”
Olja Latinović
Youth Program Coordinator,
Film festival "Pravo ljudski"
“Young people could turn 16 days of
activism into 365.”
Katarina Vučković
Youth program manager, NGO Proni Brčko
What about men?
W
orking with men and boys to end violence against women and girls is
essential.
Many men in society, if provided with information and sensitization about the
issue, represent untapped but potentially influential allies in the struggle to
end violence against women, within their families, communities and decisionmaking circles. Challenging traditional ideas about what it means to be a man
can prevent violence against women worldwide. We have to teach boys that
being a man really means respecting women and accepting them as equals.
What Men Can Do To End Violence Against Women:
•
•
•
•
•
Listen to women…learn from them
Learn about the problem
Learn why some men are violent
Challenge sexist language and jokes that degrade women
Learn to identify and oppose sexual harassment and violence in your family,
schools, workplaces etc.
• Support local women’s programs – participate in events, be an activist
• Examine how your own behavior might contribute to the problem
• Work towards long terms solutions
Men can prevent violence against women by not personally engaging in
violence, by intervening against the violence of other men, and by addressing
the root causes of violence.
Men’s involvement can take the form of primary or universal prevention
(directed at all men, including those who do not appear to be at risk of
committing violence and those who may be at risk for continuing a pattern of
violence), through secondary or selective prevention (directed at men who
are at-risk for committing violence), and/or through more intensive tertiary
or indicated prevention (with men who have already been violent).
These are some initiatives and campaigns like:
The White Ribbon Campaign.
The White Ribbon Campaign (WRC) is the largest effort in the world of men
working to end violence against women (VAW). In over fifty-five countries,
campaigns are led by both men and women, even though the focus is on
educating men and boys. In some countries it is a general public education
effort focused on ending violence against women. Wearing a white ribbon
is a personal pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about
violence against women and girls. Wearing a white ribbon is a way of
saying: Our future has no violence against women.
Western Balkan Gender-Based Violence Prevention -Young Men Initiative
With a goal to prevent and reduce gender-based violence, CARE NW
Balkans implemented a ground-breaking program that works with young
men aged 13-19 to deconstruct masculinity in their cultures and determine
how gender norms and male socialization lead to inequitable attitudes.
This program entailed confronting social norms around masculinity and
violence, both through educational workshops and social marketing
campaign targeted towards young men.
We must unite. Violence against women cannot be tolerated, in
any form, in any context, in any circumstance, by any political leader or by
any government.
United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon
What about help available?
G
ender-based violence leads to social and psychological isolation. Women
that have experienced gender based violence need these necessary
services to effectively reintegrate into society.
Services Available:
SOS lines
Help lines provide crisis support as well as helpful information
SOS telephone numbers are:
1265 1264
Federation of BiH
Republika Srpska
Calls to these numbers are free of charge and based on anonymity and trust
Safe Houses
In BiH there are nine safe houses available for providing immediate help
and protection to those experiencing violence. The main services offered in
these establishments are: direct physical protection, psychological and social
counseling, therapy, and advice, legal counseling and protection, economic
empowerment and preparing women for economic independence.
Statistical data – The number of persons accommodated to safe houses in
2009:
Federation of BiH
•
Year 2009 = 317
* Fondation of local democracy-Sarajevo, Medica-Zenica, Vive Žene-Tuzla, Žene sa Une-Bihać, Žena BiHMostar and Caritas-Mostar and FBiH Gender Center
Republika Srpska
•
Year 2009 = 339
* Safe house Prijedor, Safe house Modriča, Safe house Banja Luka
Local Centers for Social Work (social protection)
The primary task of local social work centers is to empower those that have
experienced gender based violence, prevention of new violence, and the development of measures to protect the rights and welfare of persons exposed
to violence.
You can find the address and phone number of the center closest to you at
one of the following links:
Federacija BiH
http://fmrsp.gov.ba/s/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=35&Itemid=51
Republika Srpska
http://www.vladars.net/sr-SP-Cyrl/Vlada/Ministarstva/MZSZ/PAO/Documents/Centri_za_socijalni_rad.pdf
and
http://www.vladars.net/sr-SP-Cyrl/Vlada/Ministarstva/MZSZ/PAO/Documents/Sluzbe_soc_zastite.pdf
Mobile teams
Currently mobile teams operate only in some parts of BiH. They respond to
reports of domestic violence, either by requests from SOS help line or the
police.
The team consists of representative of police, representative of the Centre
for Social Work, and a representative of NGOs or safe houses. They respond
promptly with the aim of immediate and effective protection to those in need
and provide necessary steps to initiate court proceedings against perpetrators
of domestic violence. If necessary, the team will provide transport to the
closest urgent medical center so that injuries can be treated. Also, if necessary,
they will provide a place in one of the safe houses.
Mobile teams are not yet available in all parts of the country, but the hope
is that with the success of their comprehensive work with individuals who
have experienced violence, similar assistance which is much needed will be
available soon.
Police
When a case of domestic violence is reported to the police, the police are
obliged to
•
•
•
•
React in time – go to the scene
Provide security to those involved and if needed arrest the perpetrator
Present all the evidence obtained in the process to the Prosecutor’s Office
Offer advice to the victim on security measures available (for example: a
restraining order)
Medical help
Hospitals and other medical institutions are required to provide overall medical
treatment to those that have experienced violence, in order to preserve their
physical and mental health and to assist with treating and healing injuries
and trauma. In the case of suspected domestic violence, health workers are
obliged to carefully discuss this issue with the person in order to gain their
trust.
In cases when domestic violence has been revealed, health workers are
obliged to proceed as follows:
• Without delay, inform the local police and social work center
• Determine the causes of injuries, and complete a full medical examination
• Inform the person about the services available, give them advice, support
them
• In case of physical injuries, a doctor shall document all the injuries, and
note them in a person’s medical record.
• At the request of the prosecutor’s office or the police, doctors are required
to submit all important and relevant documentation
• If the person who committed the violence, or against whom violence was
committed, has a mental illness or has been treated for alcoholism and
other addictions, they should be referred for appropriate treatment
Reference – The manual for training of health workers in handling domestic violence cases.
Legal help
Legal help aims to provide more efficient use of all legal possibilities in BiH
legislation to protect victims and members of their immediate families, and
enable them to legal protection in the court.
Safeguard measures, such as restraining orders, are imposed by the local
Municipal Courts during the filing of the petition or at the initiation of the
proceedings.
• Removing the perpetrator from the apartment, house or other residential
premises and the prohibition of returning to the apartment, house or other
premises (not less than 1 month, nor more than 6 months)
• The court order to the abuser to stay away from the victim, their home,
their workplace or their school
• The court order prohibiting the abuser harassment of the victim, order
might request to cease all contact, whether by telephone, notes, mail,
fax, email or delivery
• Providing security to all those that have experienced abuse
• Court-Mandated psychological counseling and therapy
• Court-Mandated rehabilitation for addiction treatment (duration of 1
month to 2 years)
Family counseling (Psychological counseling)
Family counseling is intended for those who are exposed to violence and
perpetrators of violence. The aim of psychotherapeutic treatment is an
increase in the individual’s sense of their own well-being, so that they can
change dysfunctional patterns of behavior and attitudes. Relieving and
eliminating some of these symptoms leads to the improvement of health,
emotional and personal growth of individuals in therapy.
Providing a range of psychological counseling, both through the individual or
group therapy, these counseling services aim to support, assist, and empower
victims. Everything is done with guaranteed confidentiality and positive
motivation.
What about SOS lines?
What you should do if you are a victim of domestic violence?
M
any people think that violence implies only the act of actual beating.
The abuse can be physical, sexual or verbal. It can impact people in all
types of relationships and can also involve violent behavior between parents
and children.
If you are in an abusive relationship, there are three important steps you
must take:
• recognize that it is happening to you
• accept that you are not to blame
• get help and support
Getting help - this is perhaps
the most important thing
that you can do.
The calls made to SOS phone lines are free of charge and confidential. SOS
phone line provides counseling, information and offers referrals to family
support services, counseling, the police, lawyers and hospitals throughout the
BiH for people who are experiencing or have experienced domestic violence.
Trained caseworkers working for the SOS line are sensitive to the needs of
people who have experienced domestic violence.
SOS phone lines help break the silence about gender based violence and give
voice to the victims themselves. It encourages women and children to emerge
from isolation, to understand that they are not alone, that they are not to
blame for the violence suffered.
SOS lines give strength and support to women survivors of any form of violence
and terror. Empowering them, helping them regain their confidence they
enable victims to independently decide how to appropriately tackle their
own problems.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, you can ring
the SOS Phone!
SOS telephone lines for victims of domestic violence
were established in both entities of Bosnia and
Herzegovina.
Gender Center of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina has
established an SOS line No. 1265 to help victims of domestic violence
in the territory the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This was
done in partnership with the Center for Social Welfare and NGOs.
According to data provided by NGOs, help was requested by 188 victims
of domestic violence in the Federation BiH in the period of two months
(since 4 December 2008 to 31 January 2009).
SOS line No. 1264 for the area of Republika Srpska was established
in 2005 between four non-governmental organizations and the Gender
Center of the Republika Srpska. According to NGO data there were
1019 emergency calls in the period of five months in 2005 (since the
establishment of SOS line until the end of 2005) and 2657 calls in
2006, out of which 70 victims were men and 2587 women in the age of
19-60. According to data for 2007 it is evident that the number of calls
was increasing and that in 2008 there was 3513 victims’ calls (3456
women - 98% and 149 men- 2%.).
What about verbal abuse?
The word attacks – Raising awareness about verbal abuse
The word has power.
Y
ou shall win by just one inspired speech, and wrong one will make you
fall; word makes you a hero or a tragedian. Word can both help you and
hinder you, it can seduce you but infatuate you, make you laugh or make you
sad. Word can reconcile you or start an argument. It can make all your wishes
come true but it can take your very existence.
We’re all equipped with and ready to use this sophisticated weapon, because,
at the end of the day – word can make millions to start wars and kill each
other.
The fact is that, in most cases, verbal abuse takes place in private, „between
four walls“, among the anonymous victim and the anonymous abuser. A need
emerged – need to “squeeze in between those four walls” and take a very
active role in otherwise very intimate situation.
Acknowledging that only dealing with the problem, in this case with the
verbal abuse, can bring solution, it was necessary to find a way to set about
the viewer to actively participate and confront the verbal abuse problem.
Postponement of the problem on the pillow is part of our reality, our existence.
It is our own defense mechanism that allows us to afford adequate physical
and mental functioning. It is because dealing with the problem is active and
painful process, to the human psyche it is inherent in self-defense to avoid
the problem on a conscious level.
Before you are ten tasks, ten mental exercises, ten triggers that “sleeper”
lead to confrontation and finally the solution to the verbal abuse problem.
There, on the pillow, you will face your own problem. You will be exposed
to insults, intrigues, threats, opposition, disparagement, manipulation,
brainwashing, etc.
The solution is not to “sleep”, in closing eyes to the problem. The solution is
to recognize attacks and start fighting, “standing up” against the “evil seed”
that bothers us so much.
Only when we overcome the verbal abuse problem, images of “torture” on
the pillow will become meaningless. Only then shall we provide a dream for
ourselves.
Finally, it will be a dream freed of terror, fear, torture.
Finally, it will be nightmare-free dream.
The photograph shows Lejla Sokolović, graphic designer and artist, at her solo exhibition „The word attacks
– Raising awareness about verbal abuse” in Sarajevo, October 2010
Message on the pillow: “RISE against verbal abuse”
What celebrities say
about violence against women?
“I am outraged by all types of violence
and I think that we should try to change
the way we think about it and find
new ways of solving problems and
misapprehensions.”
Emina Muftić
actress
“Violence is typical for feeble men. Don’t
be a coward.”
Aleksandar Seksan
actor
“No one deserves to be treated violently.
In my opinion it cannot be deserved.”
Damir Imamović
musician
“Violence is not only physical abuse. The
best defence against violence is decency
and decent upbringing.”
Slađana Zrnić
actress
“Violence against women and girls is a
crime and as such is a criminal act. All of us
have to respect women’s rights and we must
work together towards achieving a common
goal – resolving the problem of violence
against women. We must act now, before it
is too late.”
Dijana Tepšić
singer & DJ-ane
“Violence is a key word in the phrase
“domestic violence” and as such, deserves
the most rigorous sanctions from the
state.”
Ziyah Gafic
photographer
“Violence is evil. A man unable to resolve
a problem facing him often resorts to a
violence, consequently becoming an evil
person.”
Aleksandar Stojković
actor
“In principle, I am against all types of
violence, and I am especially against
violence against women and children.”
Senad Bašić
actor
“From my point of view, violence
against women is a most hideous and
most primitive act.”
Marija Šestić
singer
“I hate all types of violence, whether it is
psychological or physical. Once and for
all, stop the violence.”
Mladen Vojičić Tifa
singer
What is the conclusion?
"Joining in the efforts to stop violence is
everybody’s responsibility. Governments, private
enterprises, civil society groups, communities
and individual citizens can all make essential
contributions. Men and boys must be active in
encouraging respect for women and zero tolerance
for violence. Step by step, we can work together
towards the day when all women live free from
violence and realize their full potential as
powerful agents for thriving, peaceful societies."
Ms. Michelle Bachelet
Executive Director and Under-Secretary-General of UN Women
UNIFEM BiH (part of UN WOMEN) would like to thank following individuals
and organizations who dedicated their time and effort to this campaign:
(in alphabetical order)
Individuals:
Adnan Beširović
Agnesa Šećerkadić
Aida Jašarević
Alan Savić
Aldin Hodović
Aleksandar Babić
Aleksandar Seksan
Aleksandar Stojković
Aleksandra Nina Knežević
Alen Muratović
Alena Tahirović
Alma Skopljak - Ramović
Amila Ramić Bajramović
Indira
Amra Resić
Anisa Pašić
Azra Mešić
Azra Hamzić
Belma Bahtijarević
Benjamin Tahto
Branimir Priljak
Dagna Lewandowska
Damir Imamović
Damir Pervanović
Danijela Marić
Davor Guberović
Dijana Tepšić
Dubravko Curać
Dženana Krehić
Edin Džeko
Elvira Adžikić
Emina Muftić
Emir Fetahagić
Emir Zametica
Emira Aždajić
Enaida Hadžić
Enisa Salčinović
Erika Kvapilova
Esad Bratović
Hatka Osmanović
Irena Krtalić
Jasmina Aždajić
Jasmina Hakić
Jasminka Džumhur
Jelena Vemić
Jovica Selak
Katarina Vučković
Kenan Kevrić
Lana Tuševljak
Larisa Halilović
Lejla Fazlagić
Lejla Sokolović
Leonardo Šarić
Marija Šestić
Melina Halilović
Merima Pašalić
Minka Pilić
Miroslav Živanović
Mirza Hodžić
Mirza Suljagić
Mladen Vojičić Tifa
Mubera Mujagić
Nada Golubović
Naima Musić
Nebojša Tepić
Nedim Zlatar
Nedžad Mulaomerović
Ognjen Totić
Olja Latinović
Paul Stubbs
Razija Fafilić
Sabiha Husić
Samir Čulić
Samir Hodović
Samir Mršević
Samira Hurem
Samra FilipovićHadžiabdić
Sanela AlajbegovićKapetanović
Sanela Bešić
Saša Madacki
Saša Ostojić
Selma Korjenić
Senad Bašić
Senada Sušić
Slađana Zenić
Sloven Anzulović
Snježana Grbić
Snježana Mirković
Stefan Vujasin
Steve Powell
Šaha Ahmetović
Tahir Hebib
Tanja Imamović
Teodora Ševa
Timur Makarević
Yuri Afanasiev
Ziyah Gafić
Zlatan Imamović
Zoran Bogdanović
Žana Grubišić
Organizations:
Association Vesta, Tuzla
Agency for gender
equality in BiH
Gender centar FBiH
Gender centar RS
Medica, Zenica
Youth Movement Revolt,
Tuzla
Perpetuum Mobile, Banja
Luka
Rights for all, Sarajevo
PRONI, Brčko
SFK 2000 Sarajevo
TPO fondacija, Sarajevo
UG PROI, Sarajevo
UNDP BiH
UNICEF BiH
UN Volunteers BiH
United Women, Banja
Luka
Žene ženama, Sarajevo
All photos copyright (except photo of
Erika Kvapilova, p. 6): Amer & Imrana
Kapetanović, Studio TNT Sarajevo.
Photo of Erika Kvapilova:
SME Ženy, Petra Bošanská
www.16dana.ba
NOV-DEC 2010