The film, ‘The Silent Scream’, features account of several men and women who were raped during the Bosnian war. Their stories portray a wide range of issues that the victims of sexual abuse face today.
“One of the most challenging things for the victims of sexual violence is speaking up. We hope their testimonies will motivate other silent victims to step out,” says the executive producer of the film, Mirna Buljugic.
Victims of sexual abuse are often stigmatized in their local communities. Their trauma is passed on to their children and their status is still not regulated by the State. They are often unaware of their rights when invited to testify before courts.
“The film explains the entire process, from the moment when victims are invited to testify, through to the identity protection measures they are entitled to, and the support that they can get from professional associations,” says Buljugic.
Earlier this year BIRN BiH hosted a panel discussion on the topic and presented several testimonies at the End Sexual Violence in Conflict Global Summit in London, which is part of a worldwide initiative launched by the UK government.
The film is the second documentary to be produced by BIRN BiH, and supported by the Foreign Commonwealth Office.