DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Abstract

UDK 366.642(497.6)
         343.54/.55(497.6)

The aim of this article is to draw attention upon domestic violence in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Domestic violence and providing protection to the victims of domestic violence are issues present in our reality in the last 30 years. Continuous efforts of women activists and practicing women politicians, have brought this social phenomena into the sphere of public discourse which is necessary in order to point out the significance of the interaction of theory and practice and thus to bring about a transformative actions in society. Numerous theoreticians and researchers, both male and female, have attempted to find the reasons for rise of domestic violence, however, to this day there is no a universal theory that explains this complex social phenomenon, its sources and the risk factors that trigger violence within the family system.  The article points to different definitions of domestic violence, its varying forms as well as the factors that might initiate or escalate domestic violence but by no means can be considered its cases. International legal standards and local legislation in service of the protection of women victims of domestic violence are stressed here as well as available resources for protection and assistance for the victims which are necessary in order to stop the vicious circle of violence and to encourage healthy family relations ie., healthier sub-system within the micro-system.