Prevention and fight against domestic violence in focus of OSCE-organized workshop

SARAJEVO, 28 November 2019 - Following prior successful co-operation with law enforcement agencies in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), the OSCE Mission to BiH organized today a workshop on preventing, handling and combating domestic violence for representatives of all police stations in the Canton Sarajevo and the Canton’s Interior Ministry. 

“According to the official data from the Canton Sarajevo Ministry of Interior, there were 31 cases identified as domestic violence in October 2019. Out of all perpetrators, half of them had already been reported for committing similar crimes. Cases of rape and homicides where victims were women were also reported,” said Admir Katica, the Minister of Interior of the Canton Sarajevo. He also added: “Exactly because of such cases we must encourage all citizens of the Canton and beyond, not to allow anybody to harass them physically or mentally. If they cannot solve conflicts on their own, they should turn to the social welfare centres or the police.”

Mustafa Bešić, Head of Office of the Police Commissionaire of Canton Sarajevo Police Administration stated: “It is extremely important to continue training courses with target audiences in this field, as it is the case today. Prevention is a key factor in combating domestic violence.” 

Joeri Maas, Chief of Policy and Planning of the OSCE Mission to BiH said: “Domestic violence directly affects a significant number of women in Bosnia and Herzegovina and beyond. This issue is not always visible and it is not always easy to respond to it. However, it is always a security concern of the entire society, and it has to be prevented and dealt with. The responsibility to address these crimes lies with all of us, and requires a strong and co-ordinated response. Violence is not a private matter.”

In the framework of the global campaign of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina invites all those who witness or are experiencing any form of violence or abuse to report it to the police on 122. Free SOS lines: 1264 (for Republika Srpska) or 1265 (for Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina) are also available for support and assistance.