In Bosnia and Herzegovina, domestic and gender-based violence remains a widespread social problem. Surveys indicate that nearly one in two women experiences violence at some point in her life. The legacy of war, economic insecurity, untreated trauma and deeply rooted patriarchal norms contribute to an environment in which violence occurs and is often tolerated, minimised or insufficiently sanctioned.
Many men face significant psychosocial and economic pressure. Unemployment, financial insecurity and unresolved war-related experiences intersect with rigid expectations of masculine roles. These factors considerably increase the risk of violence within families. At the same time, there are substantial gaps in public prevention and support services, particularly with regard to structured work with men who use violence.
The project adopts a holistic approach to reducing domestic violence. It combines strengthened psychosocial work with men who use violence and men at increased risk of perpetrating violence with broad-based prevention and awareness-raising activities at community level. Through individual and group therapy, participants are supported to take responsibility for their actions, develop emotional coping strategies and learn non-violent ways of resolving conflict. In parallel, workshops and campaigns promote critical reflection on gender norms and violence.
A further core component of the project is the strengthening of institutional cooperation. Collaboration between state and non-state actors – including the police, judiciary, social, health and education services, as well as NGOs – is systematically enhanced in order to establish a coordinated, effective and sustainable intervention system to address domestic violence.
Each year, the project reaches approximately 1,860 people in the Doboj region. This includes around 300 men receiving psychosocial support, approximately 1,200 men and boys at increased risk of violence who participate in counselling and prevention activities, as well as 360 children, adolescents and adults involved in awareness-raising measures.
Partner organisation
Buducnost
Project phase
1.1.2024 to 31.12.2026
