The non-governmental organization (NGO) Prima announced today that it expresses deep regret and sympathy for all persons who have suffered sexual violence or harassment.
"The case of sexual harassment at school by a professor is only one in a series that we know of because the victims turn to our organization for support and help. Otherwise, we know that the majority of people who were the targets of sexual predators never confide in anyone that they survived. The reasons are numerous, and the stigma that each victim experienced when she spoke publicly about the violence is particularly influential," the statement said.
The NGO Prima added that "there is no other violation of the law in which the perpetrator, sexual predator, bully and pedophile is believed, and the victim is the one who is placed on the pillar of shame, on the polygraph of lies."
"The finger is pointed at the victim, a question mark is placed on her motives and, as a rule, she is declared guilty. Guilty because she remained silent, guilty because she spoke up and reported, guilty because she remained silent for three years, guilty because she spoke up just now, guilty because it looks like this and that. The only truth is that the victim is never to blame. When people from institutions and politics join in believing that there is a greater goal behind the hill and declare everything a political chase, it is clear to everyone that to report sexual violence means to expose yourself to new traumatization. It is unacceptable to put the case of sexual harassment, which is current now, in political discussions, because what we will surely achieve is that the victims withdraw into themselves and into their traumas with almost no prospect of help, and that the abusers are punished according to the law and on merit," said the NGO Prima.
They hereby appeal to all social actors, and especially to representatives of political parties and institutions, to do everything possible to ensure that victims of sexual violence and harassment are protected and treated with the utmost care and respect, and that they are provided with unhindered and prejudice-free access to law and justice.
"What we want to emphasize in particular is that the current case, nor any other case, must not be politicized or reduced to national or political identities. This directly jeopardizes efforts to prevent violence, and victims are discouraged from reporting violence for fear of being shamed, marginalized and that their name will be dragged across the media for days. There is no typical victim of sexual violence. They can be of any nation, religion, or age. So are we all we have the obligation, responsibility, knowledge and ability to help, we should do so regardless of who is the victim. If we diminish our own responsibility, then who can our children and young people rely on? It is our duty to show them through actions that it is worth resisting violence with their heads held high," said the NGO Prima.
They state that the fight against sexual violence must be joint, and not only in cases where the violence is visible and attractive in the media, but constantly and continuously, through education, laws and preventive measures.
"Also, it is high time that we create multisectoral protocols for handling cases of sexual violence and harassment among peers, as well as in cases where the violence comes from employees at school, university or at work. We want to directly address people who have survived sexual violence. We want to tell you that we fully believe you. We want to tell you that you are not alone, that you have the right to protection, support and justice. We know that it will take a long time for some of you to speak out about the violence that they are suffered. Know that we will be there for you at all times. This society must be a safe place for everyone, especially for children and young people," denied the NGO Prima.
They said that they will continue to provide free support and counseling to people who have experienced sexual violence and to fight for the improvement of legislative frameworks in order to ensure the safety of all citizens, especially young people and children.
"We call on all social actors, the media, the civil sector, institutions and politicians to create a society in which no person will be a victim of violence and in which the victims will rightly have full confidence in the system of protection and support", concludes the press release of the NGO Prima.
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