Violence against women remains a pressing issue in our society. A 2021 study by the Lara Foundation revealed that 38% of women have experienced psychological, physical, or sexual violence from a partner or non-partner since the age of fifteen. The situation is similar in both entities—36% in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) and 39% in the Republika Srpska. Particularly alarming is the fact that one in ten respondents has been a victim of rape or another form of sexual violence, yet only 11.8% of rape survivors reported the crime to the relevant institutions.

The Healthcare Sector – The First Line of Support for Victims

In this context, the healthcare sector can play a crucial role in preventing and combating gender-based violence. Healthcare professionals are often the first to whom survivors turn for help and among the first to recognize signs of violence when victims are unwilling or unable to speak out.

Unfortunately, many victims of gender-based violence, including sexual violence and rape, lack health insurance, making it difficult for them to access medical assistance. Additionally, the social protection system does not recognize them as a specific category of beneficiaries, leaving them without support during their most difficult moments.

The healthcare sector can be one of the most important allies in the fight against violence against women, as it provides not only medical care but also emotional and psychological support to victims. Through accessible healthcare services, victims can receive essential treatment and care, as well as information about their rights and available legal options. Strengthening the role of the healthcare sector within the protection system would ensure that every victim receives adequate assistance, regardless of their social or economic status.

To improve the position of sexual violence survivors, the Lara Foundation from Bijeljina, in collaboration with UG Budućnost from Modriča and the Association of Active Women GENDER from Brčko District, has launched a campaign aimed at enhancing the rights and status of sexual violence survivors concerning healthcare services and social protection in Republika Srpska and Brčko District.

Legal Gaps and Initiatives for Change

Currently, laws in Republika Srpska do not recognize sexual violence survivors as a specific category entitled to healthcare and social protection rights. For this reason, the Lara Foundation has announced efforts to amend the Law on Healthcare Protection and the Law on Social Protection to include sexual violence survivors in the healthcare system.

In Brčko District, the situation is even more complex—neither the Law on Healthcare Protection nor the Law on Social Protection recognizes sexual violence survivors or domestic violence victims as distinct categories. Therefore, efforts will be made to include both groups in the legal framework of Brčko District. Meanwhile, in Republika Srpska, the focus will be on introducing rights specifically for sexual violence survivors, as domestic violence victims are already recognized under the law.

Why Is Systemic Change Necessary?

The ultimate goal is to align the legal framework with the actual needs of survivors. Including sexual violence survivors in the healthcare and social protection systems is essential to provide them with adequate support, facilitate their recovery process, and encourage them to report violence.

Every woman deserves safety, support, and a chance for a new beginning!