The creation of a safe environment, support and legal, systemic and social protection are necessary for victims of sexual harassment, sexual extortion and all other forms of sexual violence, while the perpetrators should be adequately sanctioned.
This was said, among other things, at the round table held today, March 29, in the space of the Human Rights House Banja Luka.
The round table on the topic “Sexual Violence – Creating a Safe Environment” was held with the aim of raising awareness of the importance of noticing and reacting to signs of sexual harassment, but also introducing the concept of sexual extortion as a corrupt act.
During the discussion, the provisions of the Law on Protection against Harassment at Work were pointed out, as well as the importance of passing internal acts in companies and institutions in which the rules against sexual harassment will be clearly defined. Also, the importance of monitoring such regulations was highlighted.
The round table was organized by the Association of Citizens “Stop Mobbing” with the support of the Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly Banja Luka.
Through the established Support Network for reporting sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace, the NGO “Stop Mobbing” launches the campaign “You Are Not Alone, Silence Will Not Protect You” with the aim of providing protection and support to victims of violence.
At the same time the campaign “Sexual Extortion Is Corruption”. Let’s Break the Silence!” is being implemented by the Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly Banja Luka, within the project “Citizens in the Fight against Silent Corruption”.
Anica Ramić, president of the Association “Stop Mobbing” from Trebinje, pointed out that it is important to talk about these topics throughout BiH.
“This is a round table where we want to present those who provide assistance to victims of sexual harassment and witnesses. We conducted a survey with citizens and public institutions about the mechanisms of protection against sexual harassment, and it showed that few people know about all this. When asked who you would turn to, they said: to a colleague, that is, they are afraid to tell the one who can protect them, they do not trust their bosses, institutions and those who are supposed to protect them”, said Ramić.
