Video about the Research "We are still alive” on the long-term consequences of war rape and coping strategies of survivors in Bosnia Herzegovina
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Background:
In 2014 Medica Zenica and medica mondiale conducted a study with 51 survivors of war rape and sexual violence from Bosnia and Herzegovina who had used Medica Zenica's services during and after the war. This is the summary of the research.
Full Title: "We are still alive. We have been harmed but we are brave and strong.” Second revised edition. (November 2014).
© Medica Zenica & medica mondiale
Video about the main research results and recommendations:
The research results show a complex picture of both continuous suffering for most survivors – due to the chronified posttraumatic dynamics and other challenges of mental and physical health, but also a perceived lack of social acknowledgement, lack of protection and ongoing life stressors – and a considerable ability to cope and recreate their lives and their relationships with others, giving rise to a number of relevant recommendations.
These recommendations are meant to reflect both the needs of survivors and the greater context of suffering as portrayed in the research results, namely its societal dimensions: Our research clearly revealed transgenerational effects of the survivors’ trauma on their children, as well as the wounds of war rape and sexual violence that remain unhealed and are reinforced and chronified by the tremendous lack of social acknowledgement and protection. Therefore, the recommendations need to be conceptualised in line with the international obligations of the state and entities of Bosnia and Herzegovina that guarantee access to justice and reparation. They should also be firmly placed within the national peace-building and reconciliation agenda.
Researchers: Sabiha Husi?, M.Sc., Irma Šiljak, Emina Osmanovi?, Ferida ?eki?, Lejla Heremi?
Consultants: Dr. Simone Lindorfer, Dr. Elvira Durakovi?-Belko, Andreja Dugandži?, Nejra ?engi?
Video Production: Film by Basti Hansen & Gil Nissan
Research and Summary of the Research
