ZAGREB, November 23, 2018 – One of the reasons why violence against women is so widespread in Croatia and the whole world are patriarchal social relations, so it is necessary to work on gender equality to reduce the violence, it was said on Friday at a presentation of publications on procedures in sexual violence cases and the elimination of discrimination against women.
The presentation was held on the occasion of International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, observed on November 25. “Domestic and sexual violence against women is so widespread… that it’s a global problem. All international organisations are trying to find a solution to prevent it, but that’s very slow,” said Helena Štimac Radin, head of the government’s Gender Equality Office.
A 2014 European Union study showed that one in three women had experienced physical or sexual violence after the age of 15, she said, adding that one of the reasons was “that men and women are not equal.”
She said the protocol on procedures in cases of sexual violence, which is aligned with the Istanbul Convention and which the government adopted in July, precisely defined the obligations of the ministries of the interior, justice, health and education as well as prosecutors’ offices.
Maja Mamula of the Women’s Room NGO said sexual violence was one of the gravest, yet least reported crimes which had devastating consequences on victims, their families and society.
She said statistics showed that one in five women would be a victim of rape or attempted rape during her life. A Women’s Room survey from 2005 showed that 17% of women were such victims and that 95% did not report it.
“Those who decide to report violence will experience additional trauma. They will be interviewed many times, they will often be interviewed inadequately, proceedings will be long and they will get insufficient psychological help and support,” said Mamula.
For more on the position of women in the Croatian society, click here.
