Experiences of Serbian-speaking Victims and Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation
- evadiazbethencourt
- May 9
- 2 min read
Updated: May 12
REPORT
Our Voice Serbian Survivors: Experiences of Victims and Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation
New #OurVoice language report presenting insights from 977 Serbian-speaking victims and survivors of childhood sexual violence in response to the Global Our Voice Survivor Survey, highlighting the urgent need for stronger prevention, support and healing systems that effectively respond to the needs of victims and survivors and prevent future harm.
This report is available in English and Serbian.
«I feel a little better. As if I have taken a burden off my shoulders. I am glad that surveys like this exist. And I hope there will be more of them. Sexual violence in schools needs to be talked about more.» Quote from survivor in response to the Serbian Our Voice Survivor Survey. |
Key Findings
Nearly half of Serbian-speaking survivors experienced sexual violence at a very young age, between 3 and 9.
Nine out of ten survivors were abused by someone they knew, with 19% living in the same household as the perpetrator.
One in two Serbian-speaking survivors (50%) have not disclosed the childhood sexual violence they experienced.
Survivors experienced long-term consequences from the CSAE they endured, yet many lack adequate support to cope with them.
These findings reveal critical gaps in preventing and addressing child sexual abuse and exploitation. Policymakers in Serbia must prioritise comprehensive reforms that align with the recommendations of the Council of Europe’s Resolution 2533 to ensure children are truly protected, survivors receive the understanding and support they deserve, and systemic failures that enable child sexual abuse and exploitation are eradicated.
About the Global Our Voice Survivor Survey
The Global Our Voice Survivor Survey is directed at individuals over the age of 18 who have been subjected to sexual violence in childhood. The primary aim of the global Our Voice survivor survey is to raise the voice and wisdom of those who have been subjected to sexual violence in their childhood. The valuable data and information we are collecting through this survey will be used to strengthen child protection measures and victims' rights.
This survey is conducted by Protect Children with support from the Justice Initiative.
