Roma Women’s Association “Osvit”: Violence against children in Serbia has numerous forms and occurs in different contexts

Roma Women’s Association “Osvit”: Violence against children in Serbia has numerous forms and occurs in…

“Despite the existence of a normative-strategic framework, violence against children in Serbia takes many forms and occurs in different contexts, in the family, schools, institutions, digital space and community,” published [...]

“Despite the existence of a normative-strategic framework, violence against children in Serbia takes many forms and occurs in different contexts, in the family, schools, institutions, digital space and community,” published today the partner organization of CARE International Balkans, Association of Roma Women “Osvit” from Serbia on the occasion of June 4, the International Day of Children Victims of Violence.

Photo: Council of Europe

Child marriages are one of the most serious forms of violation of children’s rights and violence against children. As a form of gender-based discrimination, child marriages have a disproportionate impact on girls and women, although boys are also at risk of child marriages. The consequences of child marriages are severe and far-reaching. Victims of child marriages are disenfranchised and deprived of their basic rights to health, education and safety, which often results in physical, psychological, economic and sexual violence. Child marriages are associated with early and frequent pregnancies, high mortality and morbidity rates among mothers, a higher risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth and a higher risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections – said the representatives of “Osvit” organization.

They point out that girls are at higher risk of poverty due to limited access to education, and due to dropping out of school, they are less likely to be formally employed and earn the necessary income.

The Association of Roma Women Osvit and the Roma Women’s Network of the Republic of Serbia implement projects aimed at preventing violence against children, child marriages and other forms of violation of children’s rights, through education, debates, peer workshops, campaigns and influencing the creation of positive public policies in this area.

The Association of Roma Women “Osvit” provides an SOS hotline for women and children with experience of violence in Romani and Serbian. The service is free and available 24/7 on the number 0800100909 and includes consultations with specially trained consultants, psychological and legal support, in accordance with the needs of users.