SCHOOL MUST BE A SAFE PLACE FOR EVERY CHILD

The Center for Girls calls for a responsible response from all relevant institutions regarding the case of sexual violence at “Tatomir Anđelić” Primary School in Mrčajevci.

The fact that a child experienced sexual violence within a school setting is a serious alarm for the entire child protection system. A school must be a place where every child feels safe, protected and respected – not a space where violence can occur or be silenced.

The Center for Girls condemns all forms of sexual violence against children and calls for a responsible response from the relevant institutions.

In situations like this, it is essential to act responsibly: to protect the child, prevent further traumatization and stigmatization, establish all the facts, and clearly determine the responsibility of everyone who had a duty to respond.

We demand that the institutions ensure:

– full protection of the child who experienced violence, as well as continuous psychological and other professional support

– responsible and transparent action by all relevant institutions

– accountability for every failure to protect the child and respond to the violence

– clear measures to prevent similar situations from happening again

– continuous work with students on the prevention of sexual violence and all other forms of violence

– training for teaching and professional staff on recognizing and responding to cases of violence

– protection of the privacy and dignity of minors, and an end to the public disclosure of details that may further endanger the child.

We must not allow violence against children to happen, nor can we allow it to be minimized or relativized.

It is the responsibility of institutions to protect.

It is the responsibility of society to respond.

Center for Girls

Visual: Marija Virijević