OSCE Campaign for the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence 2019: End the Silence

PODGORICA, 25 November 2019 – To mark 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, the OSCE is launching a campaign titled ”End the Silence" in South-Eastern Europe and Eastern Europe, based on the results of the OSCE-led Survey on the Well-being and Safety of Women, which was conducted in 2018.  The Montenegro survey and this campaign are supported by the OSCE Mission to Montenegro.  

On 25 November, the start of the 16 Days of Activism, we are launching a social media campaign that can be followed on the OSCE Mission to Montenegro’s Facebook account https://www.facebook.com/osce.montenegro/, as well as on the OSCE’s Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/osceorg. In December, we will deliver posters to police stations across the country with the aim of raising awareness on violence against women and the role of police in combating it.

The OSCE Survey interviewed more than 15,000 women and covered seven OSCE participating States: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Moldova and Ukraine. The research was also conducted in Kosovo. Over 1,200 in Montenegro took part in the research.

The survey found that women of all ages and from all parts of Montenegro have experienced either physical or psychological violence. Almost one in ten women surveyed reported they have experienced physical and/or sexual violence at the hands of a non-partner since the age of 15, and almost one in five women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence at the hands of an intimate partner. Psychological violence at the hands of a partner has affected more than two in five of women.

While most women are aware of specific services for women who have suffered violence, few have accessed those services or have reported the violence they have endured to the police. Shame, economic dependence, fear of retaliation by the perpetrator and distrust of the services are some of the main barriers to reporting.

Gender-based violence is not only an individual but also a social problem. Violence does not only impact women’s personal safety and security, but it also prevents them from participating fully in society and contributing their skills, knowledge and competencies.

The data from this survey is not only for policy and lawmakers, but for citizens, law enforcement agencies and NGOs.

The OSCE Mission to Montenegro is committed to promoting gender equality with the Parliament, the Ministry for Human and Minority Rights and the municipalities, and stands ready to continue further this co-operation.

It is important to support women who need help. Use the hotlines – report and end the silence.  Call 080 111 111.