International Day of Support for Victims of Violence and Torture is celebrated every year 26. June. This date was established by the UN General Assembly to recall the importance of the total elimination of torture and to provide assistance to those who suffer its consequences. Depending on which type of victims we are referring to, several different and specific days are marked throughout the year dedicated to the fight against violence and support for victims.
Association Healthy Team Ilidža in collaboration with by the Health Council of the Municipality of Ilidža on the occasion of the International Day of Support for Victims of Torture, held a panel discussion under the slogan in the beautiful surroundings of the SKY bar of the Hills Hotel Sarajevo “Let’s break the silence – Voice against violence!”.
Torture is a serious violation of human rights. It causes severe physical and psychological consequences that can last a lifetime. Victims of torture often face pain, trauma, fear and difficulties in reintegrating into society. Celebrating this day reminds us of the importance of protecting human dignity, freedom and equality of all people. It also emphasizes the need for the state, institutions and society to work together to prevent torture and provide assistance to victims through medical, psychological and legal support…
Every human being has the right to live free from violence, abuse and humiliation. That is why it is important to spread awareness of human rights, develop mutual respect and build a society in which justice, peace and humanity will be fundamental values. The International Day in Support of Victims of Torture is not only a day to remember the suffering of the victims, but also a call to all of us to stand up for the protection of human rights and the dignity of every human being.
The participants in the Panel were: Demila Talic Gabriel graduate criminologist and master’s degree in international law, Prof. Dr. Merima Tanović, representative of the Health Council Municipality of IlidžaZinaida Đelilović (Zina Tandir) award-winning journalist and activist, journalist in the newsroom Detektor.baDr. Džana Kapić Herenda doctor of medicine and graduate psychologist, psychotherapist, long-term humanitarian worker and member of the Association “Zdravi tim” and Lamija Delićpeer educator, volunteer, psychological first aid trainer.
She was the moderator and host of the program Indira Delicjournalist and professor of sociology.
A presentation on the topic in front of the Health Council of the Municipality of Ilidža Education, female leadership and women’s empowerment as key tools in the prevention of femicide and gender-based violence she held Prof. Dr. Merima Tanović, representative of the Health Council of the Municipality of Ilidža, who later took part in the Panel.
We witness daily news about new victims of violence, whether it is peer violence, family violence, society, traffic, local community, violence through social networks or femicide.
This is precisely the reason for organizing a panel discussion like this with experts in the field of psychology, prevention of peer violence, investigative journalism and providing psychological assistance to victims of violence, as well as victims’ families, with the aim of raising awareness about the protection of human rights, and the importance of safety and dignity of every human being…
“Silence protects violence, and a voice of support can save a life. Today we stand together to send a clear message: Violence is never a private matter and is never acceptable. Every victim deserves safety, dignity and the opportunity for a new beginning. Our support must not be just words, but actions through understanding, protection and empowerment. Together we build a society where the voice of victims is heard, respected and protected. Because no person should be alone in their struggle,” she said. Demila Talic Gabriel degree in criminology and master’s degree in international law.
“I am honored to have had the opportunity to participate as a panelist in the event ‘Let’s break the silence – with a voice against violence!’. I believe that it is extremely important to speak openly about violence and its consequences, because the wounds it leaves are not always visible. Violence has a profound effect on an individual’s mental health, and its consequences can last for years and even a lifetime, shaping the way a person perceives himself, others and the world around him. That is why it is important not to be silent, to listen, provide support and create a safe space for conversation. Only by raising awareness and working together can we contribute to the prevention of violence and the protection of the dignity of every human being,” said Dr. Džana Kapić Herenda doctor of medicine and graduate psychologist, psychotherapist, long-term humanitarian worker and member of the Association “Zdravi tim”.
Zinaida Đelilović (Zina Tandir) award-winning journalist and activist, journalist in the newsroom Detektor.ba who conveyed to those present part of the research carried out by Detektor.ba:
“The role of the media is not only to report on individual cases of violence, but also to continuously contribute to its prevention through educational content and raising awareness that violence is a social problem, not an individual’s private matter.
It is also important that the media point out systemic failures. An example of such an approach is Detektor’s months-long research, which analyzed 258 final verdicts for domestic violence against female partners that were handed down by seven municipal courts in the Tuzla Canton in the last ten years, starting in 2015. The research showed that more than 65 percent of these cases ended with suspended sentences. Also, it was determined that earlier reports of violence, as well as the fact that children witnessed violence, in most cases did not have a significant impact on the amount of the sentence. What is particularly important to emphasize is that the media must avoid a sensationalist approach. Violence is often described as a ‘crime of passion’, a ‘love conflict’ or a ‘family drama’ which minimizes the seriousness of the problem and draws attention away from the perpetrator’s responsibility.”
It is very important for us that the panel discussion included Lamija Delićpeer educator, volunteer and trainer for psychological first aid as a representative of young people, because the world rests on young people and we hope that Lamija’s message will raise awareness among young people and be a form of prevention when it comes to peer violence.
“As a peer educator and trainer of First Psychological Aid, I believe that the true strength of society is not reflected in the absence of problems, but in the willingness to talk about them. Silence often protects violence, while a word, spoken with empathy and understanding, can become the first step towards change. It was an honor for me to participate in this panel discussion and contribute to building a community where support, solidarity and human dignity are values that are cherished every day,” said Lamija.
Fatima Nikšić, executive director of the Zdravim tim Association, addressed the attendees and presented all the participants with Certificates of Appreciation for their support in the realization of the Panel.
“Thank you to everyone who in their own way contributed to the realization of the Panel discussion “Let’s break the silence – Voice against violence!” and enabled us to honor all victims of violence and celebrate this important date together. None of us know how many women are fighting life’s battles in silence behind their closed doors. It is very important that we talk about this topic and be the wind behind all victims of violence to come out of the shadows and seek help in time. Thank you to all the Partners and friends of the Project who made the realization possible, as well as providing appropriate gifts for all participants,” said Fatima Nikšić.
A particularly emotional moment of the evening for everyone was when, along with the children’s version of the song “If I were someone”, two boys started handing out purple flowers as a gift to all the ladies present.
Partners and Friends of the project who supported the implementation of the event were: Health Council Municipality of IlidžaHotel Hills Sarajevo, NLB Bank Sarajevo, JYSK Bosnia and Herzegovina, Coca-Cola, Podravka BiH, Aunt VioletaLasta, QuickFrame, Innovationmedia, Photobash, Oriflame, Grand Coffee, Alma Ras, Flower shop Džan and Fashion studio Fashion Room.
Objective Panel discussion “Let’s break the silence – Voice against violence!” is:
- To open a space for conversation without stigma and fear
- Give a voice to experts and those who work directly with the community
- Strengthen awareness of different forms of violence
- Emphasize the importance of prevention and early intervention
- Link health, media, civil sector and education in a joint response.
With the panel, we want to send a clear message: Violence is not a private matter – it is a social problem that requires a joint response!
