Temida 2020 Volume 23, Issue 2, Pages: 169-201
https://doi.org/10.2298/TEM2002169C
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Attitudes of professionals in Serbia on gender equality and gender-based violence: The research results
Ćopić Sanja (Institute of Criminological and Sociological Research, Belgarde, Serbia + Victimology Society of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia), sanja.copi011@gmail.com
Šaćiri Bejan (Medical College of Applied Studies “Milutin Milanković”, Belgrade, Serbia + Victimology Society of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia), bejansaciri@yahoo.com
In 2019 the Victimology Society of Serbia conducted the survey aimed at
assessing the attitudes of professionals who work in state institutions,
independent state agencies and civil society organizations in Serbia about
gender equality and genderbased violence, and collecting data on their
experiences and challenges in dealing with gender-based violence victims,
especially Roma women and women in rural areas. The survey was a part of the
broader project aimed to contribute to policy and practice changes to ensure
the recognition of harmful gender stereotypes and gender discrimination and
to ensure suppression and timely response in cases of gender- based
violence. It was a part of the program “Ending Violence against Women in the
Western Balkan countries and Turkey: Implementing Norms, Changing Minds”,
implemented by the UN Women and funded by the European Commission. The
survey was conducted on a sample of 199 respondents from the police, courts,
prosecutors’ offices, social welfare centres, independent institutions and
civil society organizations, in 21 local communities in Serbia. The survey
findings suggested that in general practitioners involved in the survey do
not have negative attitudes towards gender equality and gender-based
violence. However, when looking at some individual statements on the scales
of attitudes on gender equality and gender-based violence, as well as
answers to additional questions regarding the role of women and men at home,
one can still conclude that traditional (gender) stereotypes are present in
respondents of both sexes. The survey results also revealed a lack of
knowledge about gender-based violence, which can result in the victim not
being recognized, blaming the victim, failing to provide necessary
assistance, support and protection, leading to re-victimization and
secondary victimization. On average, male respondents have more conservative
attitudes towards gender equality and gender-based violence than women.
Older respondents, and consequently respondents with longer working
experience, have more negative attitudes towards gender equality and
gender-based violence than younger respondents. Respondents working in the
judiciary, police and prosecution have more negative attitudes towards
gender equality and gender-based violence than respondents from independent
state bodies, centres for social work and civil society organizations.
Attitudes on gender equality proved to be a strong predictor of attitudes
about different forms of gender-based violence. Therefore, it is necessary
to work further on raising awareness and strengthening capacities of
practitioners in state institutions and civil society organizations on
issues related to gender equality and gender-based violence, as well as on
raising public awareness, including (potential) victims of gender inequality
and gender-based violence, so that citizens can recognize their own or
victimization of others and seek help and protect their rights.
Keywords: gender equality, gender based-violence, attitudes, research, Serbia