The number of reported cases of domestic and sexual violence has increased by 80 % in recent years. The number of victims seeking help has increased from 20 % to 54 %. The number of victims of domestic violence killed rose to thirteen a few months ago. These statistics also make it clear why the work of the Crisis Intervention Team is important, and why young people are joining the KIT as interns and trainees.
All important figures and alarming statistics related to domestic violence and sexual abuse can be found on the website of the Crisis Intervention Team (KIT) of ADRA Slovakia. However, there is still little talk about the fact that it is not only women who are victims. According to EU statistics, 10 % men are abused, in Slovakia it is 30 % men.
The state of 21st century families
Talking about domestic violence, whether physical, sexual or psychological, is important. Firstly, for society, so that we, as its creators, know what the real situation looks like and what problems women and men are still facing in partner and marital relationships in the 21st century. And to be aware of the environment in which some children have to grow up. And what such an environment leads them to, educates them...
At the same time, we also draw attention to the fact that we should not turn a blind eye to any form of violence or abuse or just rely on someone else to help us. An NGO or a state institution. We are talking about real victims of this type of violence, sometimes with fatal consequences. Domestic violence and gender-based violence is happening behind the doors of many (not only) Slovak families and partnerships, and maybe even in the homes of your neighbours, acquaintances, family relatives. And we should not forget that we can easily become victims too.
The way of looking at victims of violence
KIT provides help in this area, not only to women and children, but also to men. We consider it necessary to look at the issue of domestic violence not only from the perspective of the woman as a victim, but through a gender-unbiased lens. That is, also from the position of the man as a victim. The number of 30 % abused men in the Slovak Republic speaks for itself.
Together we form a specialist centre for comprehensive assistance in Slovakia, which is free of charge for victims and includes legal and/or psychological assistance and support. Plus on-the-ground intervention. We consider it important to be part of the crisis situations in which the victim finds himself - to be his psychological support and at the same time to prevent mistreatment during contact with the police. At the same time, we also strive to cooperate with crisis centres and support communities across Slovakia in an effort to provide the necessary care primarily to victims in the Bratislava region.
Actively participate in reducing the incidence of violence
I myself became part of the team last autumn as a third-year student in Social and Occupational Psychology at Comenius University - as an intern. Personally, I find it necessary to speak out about the issue of domestic violence and sexual abuse of women and men in our society. And not only to talk, but also to actively act and provide help where it is necessary. Because many people refuse to see this type of violence and consider it to be the invention of the victims who find themselves in such destructive life situations. However, with this attitude, indifferent treatment and inattention, we are endangering not only these victims and their families directly (in which children are the ones who most often suffer), but also their surroundings, their working environment, their personal development and well-being, and, above all, their fundamental human rights.
I consider it the duty of all of us to actively participate in order to significantly reduce the number of cases of violent relationships in Slovakia. Each and every one of us can and will contribute to this. We can start by interning at KIT, participating in thematic discussions, sharing awareness-raising articles on social networks... And we need to intervene properly if something like this is happening in our vicinity, plus protect ourselves from becoming victims of this type of violence.
It is challenging to watch and listen to the stories of the victims and their families who contact or visit us at KIT on a daily basis. To know the details of what they had to go through or are still going through before they found the courage to speak up and speak out about their problem... KIT is here to listen to victims and help them effectively. The important thing is to take the first step and speak up. I want to encourage all people (women, men but also children as victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse) not to be silent anymore and to actively seek help. We are here for them - willing to help, to support, to advise.
Text: Nikoleta Kuglerová (intern at KIT and PhD student at FSEV UK), Photo: UN Women
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