Multiple Faces of Victimisation: Contemporary Wars, Terrorism and Migration
Temida
journal on victimization, human rights and gender
Volume 20 • Issue 2• 2017
Themes:
Multiple Faces of Victimisation: Contemporary Wars, Terrorism and Migration
Victimology Society of Serbia is pleased to let you know that the 2issue of the 2017 volume of Temida is now published.
Temida is the journal on victimization, human rights and gender, peer reviewed and accredited as an academic journal by Serbian Ministry of Science. Papers are mainly published in Serbian. Papers written in other languages are either translated in Serbian or published in the the language they are written in.
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Introduction to the issue
Theme:
Multiple Faces of Victimisation: Contemporary Wars, Terrorism and Migration
Gendered Vulnerability and Return Migration
Erlend Paasche, May-Len Skilbrei
This article discusses gendered conceptions of vulnerability at play in destination states’ formulation and implementation of return policies. Based on qualitative interviews in Norway with asylum reception centre personnel, social workers who work with irregular migrants, and asylum seekers whose asylum applications have been rejected, this article argues that some forms of vulnerability are more easily recognized by authorities, frontline personnel and migrants themselves. Conceptual blind spots have consequences for access to assistance and protection, and may exacerbate vulnerabilities. While return and reintegration programmes offer particular benefits for returnees considered ‘vulnerable’, research by the authors has found an unwillingness to apply this label beyond female victims of human trafficking for the purpose of prostitution. The reasons for this, this article argues, are both institutional and cultural.
Keywords: migration management, vulnerability, gender, human trafficking, victimhood
Seeking Refuge in South Africa: The Victimization of Vulnerable Persons
Chadley James
Many Africans confront and deal with very trying situations in their countries that are very different from the comforts enjoyed in developed parts of the world. Labeled as a ‘traumatized continent’ (Norridge, 2013: 64), many Africans motivated by the basic human necessities for food and safety flee their countries, seeking refuge in South Africa. The large influx of refugees has given rise to invalid concerns from the government and the ‘champions’ of their interest (Mauss, 1975: 10), the media. These concerns have spurred changes in the practice of the asylum system which are aimed at targeting refugees, rather than improving their situation, increasing the vulnerability of persons already fleeing persecution: the refugees, the victims. The aim of this paper is to analyze the problem from a victimological stand point, and draw attention to the issue that more research needs to be conducted with victims to improve our understanding of the impacts these practices have.
Keywords:South Africa, asylum seekers, refugees, victimization.
Victimization of Women as a Consequence of Feminization of Migration
Nikola Paunović
Bearing in mind the increased exposure of migrant women to victimization, this article analyses the etiology of feminization of migration and phenomenology ofvictimization of migrant women, particularly focusing on the abuse of female domestic workers and trafficking in women for sexual and labor exploitation. The main objective of this article is to offer suggestions for improving the position of female migrants by analyzing the causes and forms of their victimization. The main causes of feminization of migration include: 1) poverty, unemployment and poor economic conditions, 2) different forms of gender based violence, including domestic violence and sexual violence, and 3) gender inequality in access to education and information. In the context of phenomenology of feminization of migration the article considers as a main problem - unequal position of female migrants at the labor market, which is related to various forms of their discrimination. In order to eliminate discrimination of female migrants, it is concluded that it is crucial to improve employment conditions in countries of destination in terms of providing migrant women with the access to professional training, retraining and legal protection in case of unjustified termination of employment. On the other hand, because of the fact that female migrants are exposed to trafficking in women for sexual and labor exploitation in countries of destination, the states should provide the possibility of granting them a temporary residence permit during criminal proceedings against traffickers, in order to avoid secondary victimization of female victims of trafficking. In this regard, the main task of the international community must be a continuous and persistent struggle against all forms of discrimination against migrant women.
Key words: feminization of migration, victimization, etiology, phenomenology, trafficking in women
OTHER ISSUE ARTICLES
Attitudes toward Victim and Victimization in the Light of the Just World Theory
Biljana Simeunović-Patić
The present paper discusses current empirical status of the Just world theory introduced several decades ago by Melvin Lerner, the content and functions of a just world belief as its central construct, and particularly, the relation between a just world belief and victim blaming and victim derogation phenomena. In the light of existing research evidence, a just world belief and a need to re-establish a “justice” when this belief is threatened, is considered to be an adaptive mechanism that protect a belief that a world is secure and the future is predictable, as well as a confidence in the purposefulness ofself-discipline, long-term personal investments and social rules respecting.As proposed by the just world theory, when a person faces injustice, i.e. others’ (innocent victims’) suffering, his/her belief in a just world is threatened. Possible reactions to that threat comprise various rational victim helping activities, but also specific cognitive defensive strategies, including cognitive distortion, rationalization and reinterpretation of an event in order to minimize injustice or deny injustice happened at all. In the course of reinterpretation of injustice, victims are often blamed for their former actions, or derogated for their character, in order to indicate them responsible for their own fate and suffering.
The findings of research studies suggest that the likelihood of employing cognitive defensive strategies rises if formal responses to crime and victimization lack or fail. This further suggests that an efficient and effective formal social response in terms of both sanctioning of offenders and reparation of victims should be considered highly important in reducing the risk of stigmatization and rejection of victims.
Finally, the paper discusses the role of victim’s just world beliefs in post-trauma adaptation and coping processes. In virtue of findings from the existing research literature it may be concluded that victim’s belief in a just world is not necessarily obstructive for the adaptation and coping process. Moreover, in the research literature prevail findings telling in support of an assertion that strong just world belief serves significantly as a self-protective function.
Key words: just world theory, just world belief, victimization, victim blaming, victim derogation.
Family Constellation as a Treatment for Overcoming the Consequences of Violence on Victims
Jasna Hrnčić
The subject of this paper is the implementation of family constellations by Bert Hellinger in work with clients with special emphasis on victims of physical and sexual violence. Although extremely popular in Europe and the world it hasnot been presented in Serbian scientific literature. As the approach has been developed in Germany as an answer to the situation where a significant part of population was a victim or perpetrator of violence during the Second World War causing suffering not only to them, but also to their offsprings, it offers a special contribution to the work with victims of violence. The aims of the paper are the presentation and analysis of the implementation of family constellations by Bert Hellinger and their effects generally in work with clients as well as with victims of physical and sexual violence. The technique of family constellations based on systemic and phenomenological approach is presented and discussed. Work is in the group, where participants form the circle and person who seeks problem resolution invites representatives - persons whoare crucial for problem solution previously agreed with constellation facilitator - constellator. The constellator communicate with the representatives, encouraging them to express feelings, sensations and movement that will facilitate progress towards finding the optimal solution.
The basic theoretical concepts are also analysed, including two types of conscience (individual and family), three basic principles of orders of love (principle of equal right to belong, principle of balance between giving and taking and principle of order) and three levels of the soul (individual, family and great soul). The approach to overcoming consequences of violence on victims of physical violence and incest through symbolic interconnecting with the perpetrator is analysed. When it is applied to violence the victim has an opportunity to get a more comprehensive understanding and to experience an alternative solution that could generate impulse for overcoming the violence. A frequent solution is thatthe perpetrator takes responsibility and expresses guilt for the deed and suffers together with the victim. That enables the victim to accept and overcome the effects of the violence. This solution is also useful in overcoming consequences of incest because it enables the victim to accept the perpetrator as a member of family. The victim could also have an insight into the role of other family members and significant others, accept it and find a better place in the family for himself/herself. This approach causes different reaction with public with its focus on reparation instead on retribution even in such a difficult issue as incest. Qualitative and quantitative evaluations have documented the positive effects of family constellations on problem solving and social relations of both active and observing participants. Further systematic researches of constellations’ effects on victims of violence and comparative studies with other therapeutic approaches are needed.
Key words: constellation technique, basic principles of order of love, transgenerational transmission, violence, victims.
Female Genital Mutilation – From Tradition to Femicide
Jelena Rakić
Female genital mutilation has been drawing international attention for the last couple of decades, but this phenomenon is almost unknown in Serbia. In this work we will point to its basic forms and its presence in the world as well as to the variety of consequences, especially those which are the most common causes of death. With this purpose in mind, the work represents the a review of theoretical debates and empirical studies, based on which relevant data may be gathered, related to the previously mentioned subject of the work. Female genital mutilation is a phenomenon mostly in Africa, but due to migrations has become a problem thoughout the whole world. Traditional and cultural norms of strict patriarchal societies along with deeply rooted inequality of genders have contributed to the maintenance of this custom up till today. This custom includes a sequence of different procedures which are used to injure female genitals even though there are no medical reasons for such acts. They are conducted by older women in insanitary conditions and by means such as scissors, razors or glass which bring numerous consequences which can result in death. Females subdued to infibulation are at greater risk of death, although each of the forms of mutilation may have this consequence. Female genital mutilation represents violence against women due to its inevitable physical consequences and its harmful effect on health. Girls and women are subdued to the procedure which in some cases results in death, for the purpose of the community acceptance, most of all the acceptance of the future husband. Namely, women are elligible for marriage only if they are virgins, which is achieved by genital mutilation,according to the opinion of the community in which this tradition is preserved. Beside that, marriage is of high importance for the economic stability of a woman, considering the fact that all the economic power is held by men. Genital mutilation has the purpose of keeping a woman in subordinate position through repression of her sexuality and taking over the control of women’s bodies, which reflects gender inequality. Therefore , every case of female genital mutilation which results in death cannot be regarded as a part of a tradition and cultural heritage, but as one of the forms of femicide.
Key words: female genital mutilation, violence against woman, femicide, research.
Analysis of the VDS Info and Victim Support Service’s Work in the Period 2013-2015
Bejan Šaćiri, Jasmina Nikolić
VDS Info and Victim Support Service is a service for victims of crime, which was established within the Victimology Society of Serbia in 2003. The target group consists of direct and indirect victims of both sexes, of all forms of crime, as well as women who are serving a prison sentence. The Service provides emotional support, information, and, if necessary, referral to other relevant services and also provides support in the court. The aim of the paper is to present the work of the Service in the period 2013-2015, to point to its development over the given time , particularly in terms of improving services which are provide to victims.
Key words: victims, victim support service, crime, assistance, support, Serbia.
STUDENTS’ PAPERS
Sexual Harassment of Students – Survey Results
Aleksandra Dimitrijević, Milena Mladenović
This paper aims to present results of the survey on sexual harassment of students of the Faculty of Special Education and Rehabilitation, University of Belgrade. It starts with presenting and discussing differentdefinitions of the term'sexual harassment'. Afterwards, a brief overview of availablesurveys on this subject is provided. Results of the surveys completed so far show that this kind of students’ victimization in educational institutions is frequent in all parts of the world, regardless of the economic, ethnic and religious grounds.
The aim of the survey conducted at the Faculty of Special Education and Rehabilitation (FASPER)was to identify the prevalence and characteristics of sexual harassment among undergraduate students, as well as possible forms of assistance and support to students who experience sexual harassment. A survey was conducted by the students of FASPER during April and May 2014 on a sample of 147 students of all four years of undergraduate studies. For data collection a victimization survey was used.
The survey results suggested that sexual harassment of students of FASPER is prevalent, while it only manifests itself in a form of verbal harassment with a sexual connotation. Female students are more exposed to harassment than male students, but we need to interpret this finding with a caution due to the fact that a sample was mostly consisted of female respondents. According to the students’ opinion, possible solutions for preventing and eliminating sexual harassment of students of FASPERare education of students and employees, adoption of rules for protection of students from this kind of victimization and establishment of support service for students who experience victimization by sexual harassment.
Key words: sexual harassment, students, FASPER, victimization, research.
CONFERENCE REVIEWS
COST Action IS1206 Femicide Across Europe - Final Conference
Ljiljana Stevković
BOOK REVIEWS
Vesna Nikolić-Ristanović (ur.)
Delinquency and victimization of juveniles in Serbia: Results of the International Self-Report Juvenile Delinquency Study
Milica Luković
We are looking forward to a successful cooperation.
Vesna Nikolic-Ristanovic
Editor-in-Chief