The Women’s Initiative of Novi Sad Seljackih Buna 53, 21000 Novi Sad S E R B I A [email protected]
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“Research and analysis of family relationships to violence during and after the COVID-19 emergency”
Results of the conducted surveys – First one
Novi Sad, september 2020.
The Women’s Initiative of Novi Sad Seljackih Buna 53, 21000 Novi Sad S E R B I A [email protected]
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I First survey, answers submitted by the citizens of Vojvodina
1. Gender (533 out of 533 people answered this question) Female - 520 responses (97.56%) Male - 11 responses (2.06%) Other / would rather not answer – 2 responses (0.37%)
Gender
2% 0%
Woman Man Other
98%
The Women’s Initiative of Novi Sad Seljackih Buna 53, 21000 Novi Sad S E R B I A [email protected]
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2. Age (533 out of 533 people answered this question) Age group 14-18 = 17 (3.18%) Age group 19-25 = 89 (16.69%) Age group 26-30 = 107 (20.07%)
Age group 31-35 = 90 (16.88%)
Age group 36-40 = 70 (13.13%) Age group 41-50 = 104 (19.51%) Age group 51-60 = 38 (7.12%) Age group 61-70 = 11 (2.06%) Age group 71-80 = 1 (0.18%) Did not precisely answer: 6 (1.12%)
Age group 71-80 AGE 0% Did not precisely Age group 61-70 answer Age group 14-18 2% 1% 3% Age group 51-60 7%
Age group 41-50 Age group 19-25 20% 17%
Age group 26-30 20%
Age group 36-40 13%
Age group 31-35 17%
The Women’s Initiative of Novi Sad Seljackih Buna 53, 21000 Novi Sad S E R B I A [email protected]
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3. Place of residence (533 out of 533 people answered this question)
- Alibunar – 1 (0.18%) - Gornji Dobrić – 1 (0.18%) - Ruma – 12 (2.25%)
- Apatin – 1 (0.18%) - Inđija – 2 (0.37%) - Sombor – 18 (3.37%)
- Bač – 1 (0.18%) - Kać – 2 (0.37%) - Sremska Kamenica – 1
- Bačka Palanka – 7 (1.31%) - Karavukovo – 1 (0.18%) (0.18%)
- Bačka Topola – 2 (0.37%) - Kikinda – 15 (2.81%) - Sremska Mitrovica – 3
- Bački Brestovac – 1 - Kula – 1 (0.18%) (0.56%)
(0.18%) - Laćarak – 1 (0.18%) - Sremski Karlovci – 5
- Bečej – 1 (0.18%) - Ledinci – 1 (0.18%) (0.93%)
- Begeč – 1 (0.18%) - Margita – 1 (0.18%) - Stara Pazova – 5 (0.93%)
- Bela Crkva – 1 (0.18%) - Melenci – 2 (0.37%) - Starčevo – 1 (0.18%)
- Belo Blato – 1 (0.18%) - Nadalj – 1 (0.18%) - Stari Banovci – 1 (0.18%)
- Beočin – 2 (0.37%) - Novi Bečej – 1 (0.18%) - Subotica – 44 (8.25%)
- Bogojevo – 1 (0.18%) - Novi Kneževac – 1 (0.18%) - Temerin – 2 (0.37%)
- Boka – 1 (0.18%) - Novi Sad – 269 (69.23%) - Titel – 1 (0.18%)
- Čoka – 1 (0.18%) - Palić – 1 (0.18%) - Tornjoš – 1 (0.18%)
- Crna Bara – 1 (0.18%) - Pančevo – 23 (4.31%) - Vrbas – 6 (1.12%)
- Crvenka – 1 (0.18%) - Pećinci – 1 (0.18%) - Vrdnik – 1 (0.18%)
- Čurug – 1 (0.18%) - Petrovaradin – 2 (0.37%) - Vršac – 11 (2.06%)
- Deč – 1 (0.18%) - Plandište – 1 (0.18%) - Zrenjanin – 51 (9.56%)
- Deronje – 2 (0.37%) - Prigrevica – 1 (0.18%) - Don’t want to disclose – 12
- Futog – 2 (0.37%) - Ravno Selo – 1 (0.18%) (2.25%
The Women’s Initiative of Novi Sad Seljackih Buna 53, 21000 Novi Sad S E R B I A [email protected]
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4. During the quarantine imposed on the national level, were you staying in your own home, in your place of residence? If you have not, please state with whom you were staying (friends/relatives). (533 out of 533 people answered this question)
In my own home – 500 (93.80%) In a family home – 9 (1.68%) With friends or other people – 24 (4.50%)
1% Place 2%
In my own home In a family home With friends or other people 97%
The Women’s Initiative of Novi Sad Seljackih Buna 53, 21000 Novi Sad S E R B I A [email protected]
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5. Do you think that the quarantine, when one had to spend almost the whole day with people from their household, has contributed to a greater risk of domestic violence, in Serbia and worldwide? (533 out of 533 people answered this question)
Yes, but only where the risk of domestic violence and its signs have been present before. – 311 (58.30%) Yes, the risk has probably become much bigger. – 211 (39.60%) No, I don’t believe that such situation has had significant impact. – 11 (2.10%)
Risk of domestic violence
2% Yes, but only where the risk of domestic violence and its signs have been present before 40% Yes, the risk has probably become much bigger 58% No, I don’t believe that such situation has had significant impact
The Women’s Initiative of Novi Sad Seljackih Buna 53, 21000 Novi Sad S E R B I A [email protected]
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6. What behavior from the list below do you consider domestic violence? (533 out of 533 people answered this question, with multiple choice)
- Blackmailing and humiliating (in front of others or in private) – 475 (89.11%)
- Bullying and using someone (making someone do something just because that is ‘’woman’s/man’s/child’s job in the house’’) – 466 (87.42%)
- Slapping and hitting – 459 (86.11%)
- Forcing partner to perform sexual activities (because a spouse/romantic partner has the right to demand that) – 452 (84.80%)
- Pushing, shoving, forcefully grabbing hands, etc. – 451 (84.61%)
- Strangling and choking – 446 (83.67%)
- Throwing things at someone – 446 (83.67%)
- Kicking and biting – 446 (83.67%)
- Using an object to cause injuries – 445 (83.48%)
- Hair or ear pulling – 439 (82.36%)
- Using cold weapon to cause injuries – 432 (81.05%)
- Threatening someone with cold weapon – 432 (81.05%)
- Threatening someone with fire weapon – 430 (80.67%)
- Using fire weapon to cause injuries – 427 (80.11%)
- Neglecting (by which someone’s health and safety becomes endangered) – 421 (78.98%)
- Shouting and calling someone names – 389 (72.98%)
The Women’s Initiative of Novi Sad Seljackih Buna 53, 21000 Novi Sad S E R B I A [email protected]
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7. Do you think you have been subjected to domestic violence during this global pandemic (or epidemic in Serbia)? (533 out of 533 people answered this question, with multiple choice) Yes – 73 (13.7%) No – 460 (86.30%)
YES 14%
NO 86%
YES NO
8. Do you think you have been subjected to domestic violence more frequently during this global pandemic (or epidemic in Serbia) than before? (subsequently to the question number 7, 73 out of 533 people answered this question) Yes – 45 (61.64%) No – 28 (38.35%)
38%
62%
YES NO
The Women’s Initiative of Novi Sad Seljackih Buna 53, 21000 Novi Sad S E R B I A [email protected]
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9. To which of the following forms of domestic violence do you think you were subjected to? (subsequently to the question number 7, 73 out of 533 people answered this question, with multiple choice)
- Some form of verbal abuse – 63 (86.30%)
- Neglecting – 25 (34.24%)
- Pushing or shoving (that did not cause injuries) – 22 (30.13%)
- Hitting and slapping – 15 (20.54%)
- Being forced to any activities (including sexual) – 14 (19.17%)
- Pushing or shoving (that caused injuries) – 9 (12.32%)
- Kicking – 6 (8.21%)
- Hair pulling – 5 (6.84%)
- Strangling (or choking with a pillow, for example) – 3 (4.10%)
- Threatening with weapon – 3 (4.10%)
- Using an object to cause injuries – 1 (1.36%)
- Using weapon to cause injuries – 1 (1.36%)
- Causing burns (with cigarettes, hot water, iron…) – 0 (0.00%)
- Other – 2 (2.73%)
‘’Threat (intimidation)’’ – 1 (1.36%)
‘’Abuse through media, targeting the whole family, which caused us to be on the brick of another act of violence’’ – 1 (1.36%)
The Women’s Initiative of Novi Sad Seljackih Buna 53, 21000 Novi Sad S E R B I A [email protected]
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10. Relation of the abuser to you is (subsequently to the question number 7, 73 out of 533 people answered this question):
- Romantic partner (spouse, boyfriend/girlfriend) - Extended family member – 3 (4.10%) 57 (78.08%) - Brother/sister – 1 (1.36%) - Parent – 11 (15.06%) - Your child – 1 (1.36%)
11. What is the sex of the abuser? (subsequently to the question number 7, 73 out of 533 people answered this question) Female - 5 (6.84%) Male - 65 (89.04%) Other / would rather not answer – 3 (4.10%)
Other Female 4% 7%
Male 89%
12. Other than the person you considered for the previous few questions, did anyone else subject you to violence (domestic or any other kind)? (subsequently to the question number 7, 73 out of 533 people answered this question) No, nobody else – 56 (76.71%) Extended family member – 2 (2.73%) Family member – 10 (13.69%) Friend/acquaintance – 1 (1.36%) Colleague (from work or university) – 4 (5.47%)
The Women’s Initiative of Novi Sad Seljackih Buna 53, 21000 Novi Sad S E R B I A [email protected]
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13. Did you seek any form of help for the violence you have experienced? (subsequently to the question number 7, 73 out of 533 people answered this question) - I did not seek help – 36 (49.31%)
- Help from family (talk or other form of temporary support) – 17 (28.28%)
- Help from a friend (talk or other form of temporary support) – 17 (28.28%)
- Police has been contacted – 8 (10.95%)
- Help from an organization which deals with prevention of violence or immediate support for the victims – 5
(6.84%)
- Help from family (you have temporarily moved in with them) – 5 (6.84%)
- Social Services Center has been contacted – 4 (5.47%)
- Help from a friend (you have temporarily moved in with them) – 4 (5.47%)
- Safehouse/shelter has been contacted – 0 (0.00%)
- Help in your religious community – 0 (0.00%)
- Other – 3 (4.10%)
‘’Psychotherapist’’ – 1 (1.36%)
‘’We called the cable operator and nullified the contract’’ – 1 (1.36%)
‘’I left the home and went away with my child’’ – 1 (1.36%)
14. Can you write why haven’t you sought certain forms of help or any help at all? (subsequently to the question number 7, 73 out of 533 people answered this question; answers which state that this question does not relate to their experience, that is, that they have sought all the help they needed, were excluded)
- ‘’I dealt with the problem myself’’ - ‘’There’s no one to ask for help’’ - ‘’Because of the threats that he could take my children away, because his sister is in the high place of power’’ - ‘’Shame’’ – 4 responses
The Women’s Initiative of Novi Sad Seljackih Buna 53, 21000 Novi Sad S E R B I A [email protected]
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- ‘’No one would have helped me’’ - ‘’Because I see no one is reacting until someone gets hurt’’ - ‘’Fear from revenge’’ - ‘’There was no legal basis, police do not react unless it is a matter of physical violence’’ - ‘’Because I’ve been asking for help for a long time, in vain’’ - ‘’No, I’m afraid and ashamed’’ - ‘’Because of the financial dependence’’ - 2 responses - ‘’There was no need, it was all over really fast and it was not that bad. The husband has soon after gone away for a trip, so I was able to deal with it.’’ - ‘’To save the family for my child and also because I think there is a certain responsibility on my side for what happened.’’ - ‘’The law has failed in the past. The abusers are not being prosecuted.’’ - ‘’It has happened for the first time, Fear and shame.’’ - ‘’I considered it to only be an increased stress because of the quarantine and anxiety, and that it is temporary, which turned out to be true!’’ - ‘’I don’t know where to start.’’ - ‘’Because it was hard to prove it’’ - ‘’I have no trust in the Social Services Center’’ - ‘’I was able to deal on my own with the verbal abuse, blackmailing and threats to be left with no sufficient means to live.’’ - ‘’The only help for me would be to have finances to move to a different place with my three children. I kindly ask you to write in your report the fact that a lot of women would leave their husbands have they had the money to do so. How to survive with three children on 30.000RSD?’’ - ‘’I don’t know’’ - ‘’There was no need’’ - ‘’There’s no point’’ - ‘’I always consider it temporary and that it will pass’’ - ‘’I have nowhere to go, I have a 4-year old child, I’m unemployed and not registered with the employment service.’’
The Women’s Initiative of Novi Sad Seljackih Buna 53, 21000 Novi Sad S E R B I A [email protected]
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- ‘’I didn’t know whom to turn to’’ - 2 responses - ‘’I thought that I could deal with the problem on my own’’ - ‘’Don’t want it’’ - ‘’Because I was a fool and did not report verbal and physical violence, ones that I consider serious forms of abuse.’’ - ‘’That person has always been like that and I’m afraid they could hurt someone else because of it’’ - ‘’Not even sure myself, for it to not leave any consequences on our relationship’’ - ‘’Because they don’t help victims but abusers’’ - ‘’It isn’t that bad, I’m trying to overcome the feeling of shame.’’ - ‘’I don’t see the point and no one cares’’ - ‘’I asked for help when the quarantine period was over, but I did not get any from the institutions’’ - ‘’Because I’ve already asked for help and didn’t get any’’ - ‘’I thought that I could resolve it with my husband by talking to him’’ - ‘’I don’t trust anyone anymore’’ - ‘’Because of the quarantine and the restrictions of movement’ - ‘’Verbal abuse that I have experienced was not anything new happening because of the quarantine, it is something that has happened before. The frequency did not change as compared to the period before the quarantine, so I didn’t feel the need to do something about it, just as I haven’t before. - ‘’I don’t know. Perhaps because he is my father? I really don’t know. I’m trying to understand.’’ - ‘’Fear of being judged by others’’ - ‘’I didn’t know how’’ - ‘’Didn’t find it necessary to do so. It has happened some twenty days into the quarantine, we all already had enough because we live in an apartment so the quarantine was very hard for us because we didn’t have a backyard to go outside for a bit. - ‘’I was ashamed’’ - ‘’Fear’’ - ‘’I have earlier, when the abuse was more prominent’’
The Women’s Initiative of Novi Sad Seljackih Buna 53, 21000 Novi Sad S E R B I A [email protected]
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- ‘’I don’t know whom to turn to…I really wish to talk to someone…I’m a little scared…Maybe I would go to the Social Services Center but I’m afraid of the judgement and being frowned upon, because I think they are not too kind over there.’’ - ‘’Didn’t need it, I left home’’ - ‘’Because the situation tends to calm down’’ - ‘’I did, but the abuser is still being protected by all the institutions, while victims are threatened with getting their children taken away etc.’’ - ‘’Because the law in this country does not consider you experiencing violence until you turn up at the (police) station with bruises, because how do you prove ‘’just a slap’’, let alone psychological abuse.’’ - ‘’No one would have helped me’’ - ‘’I resolved it on my own’’
15. Which of the following feelings did you experience after suffering abuse? (subsequently to the question number 7, 73 out of 533 people answered this question, with multiple choice)
Disappointed – 52 (71.23%) Scared for my safety – 18 (24.65%) Hurt – 49 (67.12%) Afraid, because I think other family members will Irritated – 34 (46.57%) be subjected to violence – 15 (20.54%) Afraid, because I think it may happen again – 26 Revengeful – 14 (19.17%) (35.61%)
16. As a consequence of the violence you suffered you have noticed that (subsequently to the question number 7, 73 out of 533 people answered this question, with multiple choice):
- You are trying to completely take your mind off the matter (by doing hobbies, dealing with work, etc.) – 29 (39.72%) - You are seeking help from people close to you or from the acquaintances you can confide in regarding the abuse you have experienced – 23 (31.50%) - You accept what has happened and don’t do anything about it, because you don’t want to cause problems in your family – 20 (27.39%) - You are blaming yourself for the negative emotions you are feeling after experiencing abuse – 19 (26.02%)
The Women’s Initiative of Novi Sad Seljackih Buna 53, 21000 Novi Sad S E R B I A [email protected]
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- You accept what has happened and don’t do anything about it, because you don’t think anything can be changed – 19 (26.02%) - You are blaming yourself for the abuse, because you were not acting in a way that would delay or prevent it – 18 (24.65%) - You are using food for consolation – 14 (19.17%) - You are trying to deny or hide what has happened or to justify it by saying it has happened only once and it will not happen again – 9 (12.32%) - You are using alcohol or other substances for consolation – 7 (9.58%) - You are secretly seeking help from some organizations – 6 (8.21%) - You are keeping a diary or are trying to record the event and your feelings in a way that they remain available only to you – 4 (5.47%)
17. Can you write what forms of assistance would mean the most to you (whether you’ve already been able to obtain them or not)? (subsequently to the question number 7, 73 out of 533 people answered this question)
- ‘’Psychological support’’ – 21 responses - ‘’To have a place to run away to’’ - ‘‘Telephone call to a psychologist’’ - ‘’Talk to someone’’ - ‘’Police intervention in every case, even for the online abuse’’ - ‘’an organization for women’’ - ‘’financial and emotional support’’ – 4 responses - ‘’I don’t know’’ – 5 responses - ‘’Financial support’’ – 3 responses - ‘’Well simply, support, to know that someone is on my side, that they have my back and offer support in an adequate way, and not like the parents who always side with the husband, because he is the only one who is employed in the family and earns money, while I ‘’sit’’ at home and therefore have not right to argue.’’ - ‘’None’’ - ‘’A shelter, a safe house, where I could stay with my children’’ - ‘’Legal support’’ – 3 responses
The Women’s Initiative of Novi Sad Seljackih Buna 53, 21000 Novi Sad S E R B I A [email protected]
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- ‘’Firm legal basis on which everyone who abuse their physical power are immediately held responsible. More education fort he community to explain that this is something that is happening and for what there is no excuse.’’ - ‘’Support from family and friends would mean the most to me.’’ - ‘’Money or accommodation, a safehouse’’ - ‘’I don’t need support, I want peace.’’ - ‘’Better work place to make me financially independent’’ - ‘’There’s no helping me, I think he would kill me if I tried anything as to leave him.’’ - ‘’Helping mothers with children, because they (abusers) usually have their revenge through children’’ - ‘’marriage consulting, neuropsychiatrist’’ - ‘’The state didn’t provide help even before the pandemic. Now I’ve been waiting over two months to get a decision of the court on the increase of the alimentation. There’s no helping us’’ - ‘’For penalties to be harsher for the abusers’’ - ‘’For example, a professional or an institution to protect a mother and two little children’’ - ‘’Support from friends, boyfriend’’ – 2 responses - ‘’For all the organizations to engage in the protection of mothers with children and not abusers and blaming the victim’’ - ‘’I don’t know. Talks maybe. I am aware I have to learn the step on my own.’’ - ‘’A therapist, friends, sister’’ - ‘’For someone to tell me everything is going to be alright when I leave him.’’ - ‘’For someone to tell me the truth’’ - ‘’ Return to normal life’’ - ‘’Probably help from a professional, not so much for my struggles, but in diagnosing an offering help to the perpetrator of the violence, because they don’t understand the severity of their endangered mental health.’’ - ‘’Uh, I have tried to leave multiple times. The last time it was to Denmark, for college, but I did not get admitted because of the visa. Maybe a better help for those who seek it but are students wanting to go abroad. Leaving for another place in Serbia is not the solution.’’ - ‘’Social Services Center’’ - ‘’a friend’’
The Women’s Initiative of Novi Sad Seljackih Buna 53, 21000 Novi Sad S E R B I A [email protected]
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- ‘’support from the community and the family’’ - ‘’Talk, I’m new in this city and I have no friends, even if I meet someone, I wouldn’t be able to talk about this…I need someone to listen to me, to give me advice, to understand me…’’ - ‘’Better support for victims from the police and social services’’
18. Do you know someone or have you heard of a person who has experienced/is still experiencing domestic abuse which started or got worse during the pandemic? (533 out of 533 people answered this question) Yes – 167 (31.33%) No – 366 (68.66%)
19. How close is that person to you? (subsequently to the question number 18, 167 out of 533 people answered this question) Friend/acquaintance – 108 (64.67%) Colleague (from work or university) – 25 (14.97%) Family member – 11 (11.37%) Extended family member – 15 (8.98%)
20. How did you find out that this person is a victim of domestic abuse? (subsequently to the question number 18, 167 out of 533 people answered this question) The person was confining in me – 85 (50.89%) The person was confining in someone, which was later told to me – 48 (28.74%) I have personally witnessed a situation – 34 (20.35%)
21. What is the sex of the abuser? (subsequently to the question number 18, 167 out of 533 people answered this question) Female - 45 (26.94%) Male - 118 (70.65%) Other / would rather not answer – 4 (2.39%)
22. Did the person who was experiencing violence seek any form of help? (subsequently to the question number 18, 167 out of 533 people answered this question) Yes – 34 (20.35%) No – 133 (79.64%)
The Women’s Initiative of Novi Sad Seljackih Buna 53, 21000 Novi Sad S E R B I A [email protected]
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23. What forms of support did the person seek? (subsequently to the question number 22, 34 out of 167 people answered this question) - ‘’Police’’ – 10 responses - ‘’Help from family and friends’’ – 2 responses - ‘’Psychologist and friends’’ - ‘’Psychologist’’ – 2 responses - ‘’They have turned to the Social Services Center and the Provincial Secretariat’’ - ‘’advice and professional help’’ - ‘’Help from the Social Services Center and a health center’’ - ‘’ Police and social services’’ – 4 responses - ‘’Safehouse/shelter’’ - ‘’a talk’’ - ‘’moving out’’ - ‘’advice from a social worker’’ - ‘’marriage consulting’’ - ‘’Legal support’’ - ‘’SOS women’s call center’’ - ‘’help from a professional ad family’’ - ‘’reported to the police, but withdrawn it and ran away to her mother’s place’’
24. Do you perhaps know why the person did not seek help? (subsequently to the question number 22, 133 out of 167 people answered this question) - ‘’They are scared’’ – 24 responses - ‘’Because they didn’t think it was bad enough’’ - ‘’She is scared that she will be separated from her sister who is not suffering violence’’ - ‘’I don’t know’’ – 66 responses - ‘’She is dealing with the problem on her own’’ - ‘’For they don’t trust the system/institutions’’ – 3 responses - ‘’Lack of education and being in the know’’ - ‘’Fear from the husband’’ - ‘’They don’t want help, they think it’s nothing that bad’’ - ‘’Because she thinks no one can help her and nothing is going to change anyway’’ - ‘’Because they don’t have the courage’’ - ‘’Because of shame and they don’t see it as a solution’’ - ‘’Fear from revenge’’ – 3 responses - ‘’Fear that it will only get worse after that, she has two small children and is unemployed, so she feared for their existence.’’
The Women’s Initiative of Novi Sad Seljackih Buna 53, 21000 Novi Sad S E R B I A [email protected]
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- ‘’Because of the way she was brought up’’ – 2 responses - ‘’Humiliation is the form of abuse in question and she is just taking it’’ - ‘’She didn’t want to, she’s simply used to living like that’’ - ‘’She considers it to be normal’’ - ‘’Judgement from the others’’ - ‘’She thought it was temporary’’ - ‘’They don’t admit it’s violence’’ - ‘’Shame’’ – 3 responses - ‘’Fear from being separated from the children’’ – 4 responses - ‘’Because it’s verbal abuse and emotional manipulation, so they don’t think that’s the reason enough to ask for help’’ - ‘’She lost all hope for change for the better’’ - ‘’She justifies her partner’s behavior with the current difficult situation’’ - ‘’They have been suffering different forms of domestic violence (psychological, economic…) for many years and they are not doing anything to resolve their position of a victim in marriage.’’ - ‘’She’s afraid of being judged by the others, she has nowhere to go with her children’’ - ‘’Two little children, no conditions to leave (low salary, no other place to live, no support from the family)’’ - ‘’Because of their sexual orientation’’ - ‘’She has nowhere to go if it comes to parting ways with her partner because she is unemployed and she has no one to help her’’ - ‘’Because she thinks she doesn’t need help’’ - ‘’Fear, prejudice, mentality’’ - ‘’There was no physical violence, but humiliation and exhibiting superiority. She probably didn’t know how to report that’’ - ‘’To not worsen the relationship once the police or other institutions get involved.’’ - ‘’Fear for the future’’ - ‘’They hope for a better tomorrow and they also love their husband’’ - ‘’She expects it to pass’’ - ‘’She doesn’t believe she would get help’’ – 2 responses - ‘’They don’t trust anyone anymore because the society and the state is in chaos’’ - ‘’Fear from the virus’’ - ‘’She didn’t understand the severity of the situation, that is, a real threat and danger of physical violence when the signs were obvious, but because the things didn’t escalate, the person didn’t find much importance in what happened and has ignored it as something insignificant. - ‘’They were afraid of the abuser’’ - ‘’They are a child, they have limited movement ability, and they are also not informed well’’
The Women’s Initiative of Novi Sad Seljackih Buna 53, 21000 Novi Sad S E R B I A [email protected]
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- ‘’Shame, nowhere to go’’ – 2 responses - ‘’Not aware of it and won’t admit it to themself’’ - ‘’They have no self-respect and self-appreciation’’ - ‘’Because she was abused by a male parent’’ - ‘’Because she has dementia’’ - ‘’Mostly scared for themselves and their close ones’’ - ‘’They probably don’t think the help was needed because it was not dramatic’’ - ‘’Stockholm syndrome’’ - ‘’Because she (falsely) believes it will never happen again and that she is to blame for provoking him’’
25. What from the following do you think should be done about the domestic violence in Serbia? (533 out of 533 people answered this question, with multiple choice)
- Educating children and youth about domestic violence – 415 (77.87%) - Developing new technologies which will help with preventing or reacting to domestic violence (for example, a support system through SMS for the victims of violence, so that they could report it as quickly and safely as possible, if they are not in the position to make a telephone call) – 380 (71.29%) - Supporting local initiatives for prevention and intervention in cases of domestic violence – 359 (67.35%) - Supporting and promoting research and projects which will improve the domestic violence prevention system on a legal level – 311 (58.34%) - Supporting local initiatives which advocate for better informing of the public on what domestic violence is, why does it happens, how often does it happen, and what are its consequences – 318 (59.66%) - Other – 35 (6.56%) - ‘’A system that is functioning, a person who has sufficient salary, no judgement from the others, for a person to be protected legally’’ - ‘’Physical security of person’’ - ‘’I think there’s no help’’ - ‘’Employment and subventions for accommodation’’ - ‘’Arrest the abuser right away’’ - ‘’Decrease poverty, which is the first and main cause of domestic violence’’ - ‘’Employ more severe penalties for the abusers’’ - ‘’It is difficult to state only a few specific things. I think it is necessary to change the mindset of the citizens in the whole country.’’ - ‘’Not give empty promises’’ - ‘’Working on the stability of the family’’ - ‘’Change people in places of power’’