Violence against women in Serbia – An overview of development of the inter-sectoral collaboration last fifteen years

Last eighteen years in Serbia have been characterized by turbulent events/changes in society, followed by an increased rate of interpersonal violence. Violence against women (VAW) was first recognized and addressed by women’s non-governmental organizations (NGOs), who in early ‘90ies started activities, with modest resources, in collaboration and support of the international women networks. Gradually, women’s NGO succeeded to attract the attention of the official authorities and governmental organizations (GO), relevant Ministries, local authorities, and academic community. The first step in GO/NGO cooperation was obtained through joint participation in the implementation of  WHO Multi-country Study on Women’s Health and Domestic Violence, conducted in Belgrade in 2002/2003 (provided in eleven countries worldwide).  Results of that study revealed that 24% of ever-partnered women had experienced physical or sexual violence. Health consequences of VAW were also remarkable regarding: injuries (39%), impact on general (9%) and mental health (22%).  Data show that 78% of physically abused women had never sought help of any formal agency/service. These facts determined further initiatives of women’s NGOs activities: establishing inter-sectoral collaboration; building institutional capacities to deal with VAW, and their continuous cooperation in order to create standards and instruments for efficient protection for VAW survivors. GO/NGO cooperation was achieved through: 36 trainings (720 trained professionals); creation of initial protocol; assessment of women’s needs and qualitative study of professional’s attitudes regarding VAW; writing up the Manual for health care providers, and advocate and lobbing GOs at all levels. The implementation of listed activities determined that Health Care authorities included the VAW issue on the formal agenda. Official support by the authorities suggests that future direction will result in formalizing national protocol as best practice guidelines for health professionals, together with introduction of VAW modules in medical school curricula and development of VAW  programs for continuous medical education.