Bosnian men often see themselves as the breadwinner of the family. However, this role is difficult for many to fulfil. The social and economic conditions are unfavourable. Added to this are the experiences of war, which still characterise the lives of many people in Bosnia and Herzegovina today and can lead to domestic violence which is widespread in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The number of people living in Bosnia and Herzegovina who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of the war experiences, torture and rape they have witnessed is considerable. The consequences are broken and destroyed family relationships to this day.
It is not uncommon for war-traumatised men to resort to alcohol and/or turn the violence they experienced during the war or in their families of origin against their own families. In order to overcome war trauma and violence, our partner organisation Buducnost has opened a men's centre where perpetrators receive counselling and support in ending their violent behaviour. Perpetrators come to terms with their violent behaviour and the emotions and conflicts behind it. They take responsibility for their actions and learn alternatives to violence. They deal with questions about their social position and learn to deal with frustration and aggression peacefully.
During the difficult war period and in the absence of men, many women took on the role of head of the family. This experience gave Bosnian women a new self-confidence and independence, which they wanted to maintain after the war. The men met this change in gender roles with resistance, which led to a significant increase in social violence.
In order to effectively protect women and children from violence, men must come to terms with their war traumas and deal with issues of social status and changing gender roles.
