In response to recent violent incidents in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the town of Travnik is set to become the first municipality in the Central Bosnia Canton to establish a shelter for victims of violence. This initiative highlights the importance of providing immediate support to survivors of violence.

The project involves relocating and equipping a facility previously used by the Travnik Social Work Center. Travnik Mayor Kenan Dautovic explained to N1 that concrete fieldwork is crucial when it comes to assisting victims of violence.

“Plans and strategies are important, but fieldwork is the most important. Travnik currently has a Social Work Center where a lifetime beneficiary donated an apartment in the city center. We assessed that the room previously used for this purpose was insufficient, so we are renovating and equipping the apartment to serve as temporary accommodation. Travnik does not have a safe house, and establishing one would fall under the Central Bosnia Canton's jurisdiction, not the town's. The first 48 hours are crucial for a victim of violence, and we believe this will be a significant step forward,” said Dautovic.

Once operational, the shelter will provide 24-hour assistance to those in need. Due to the increasing number of domestic violence reports, it is necessary to fully equip the shelter as the existing facility was inadequate.

Mayor Dautovic emphasized that violence often originates within the family and that tackling it at this level is essential.

“If a child grows up in a family where violence is normal, it's likely they will exhibit similar behavior as adults. We have formed a multidisciplinary team involving municipal services, police, prosecution, judiciary, social work center, mental health center, non-governmental sector, and others involved in child protection. Our aim is to identify children with deviant or violent behavior and intervene early. In our youth education center, the ‘Big Brother and Big Sister’ program involves older volunteers mentoring younger children, addressing neglect and promoting positive behavior. Violence starts within the family, and addressing it there first is crucial, followed by kindergartens, schools, and other institutions to prevent future generations from struggling with violence,” Dautovic explained.

When asked about his stance on gender equality, given the underrepresentation of women in various sectors and institutions, Dautovic expressed his support.

“I am proud to say that 60% of the administration in Travnik Municipality are women, and they hold significant positions like assistant mayors and secretaries. Women, as mothers and family pillars, are simply more responsible towards their duties. The only issue arises when women work only with women, but when they collaborate with men, we achieve excellent results. Of course, there are cases where women face challenges in male-dominated environments, especially if the men are insensitive, arrogant, or prejudiced. However, in Travnik Municipality, I haven't seen such anomalies,” concluded Dautovic.

He also emphasized that the Municipality of Travnik is committed to ensuring a healthy and safe environment, and the Action Plan represents a continuation of local public policy in protecting violence victims.