The Women’s Room prevents and combats sexual violence in Croatia

Sexual and domestic abuse continues to plague Croatian society, as leniency persists regarding holding perpetrators accountable.

Despite a series of bills currently circulating through the Croatian parliament, which will toughen the punitive measures against sexual violence and rape, Croatian women remain vulnerable to sexual abuse, and victims often have no access to resources and protection from their assailants. 

Established in 2002 in Zagreb, The Women’s Room - Center for Sexual Rights (Ženska Soba) is a nonprofit organisation working to combat and prevent sexual violence in Croatia and provide support for victims of sexual abuse and rape. 

Among the organisation’s various activities, The Women’s Room conduct extensive education campaigns, in the form of lectures, workshops and trainings, round tables, and public panels, in which they discuss issues of sexual rights, sexual violence, gender equality, female sexuality, violence against women, and LGBTQ rights. 

The Women’s Room also provide direct support to victims of sexual violence by, for instance, supporting them in the process of reporting sexual violence, preparing for court proceedings, providing counselling and therapy, as well as providing information about available state and community resources.

Seeing as the problem in Croatia relates directly to the lack of legal protection instruments, The Women’s Room engage in ongoing advocacy and capacity-building with the government, international organisations, and local authorities - promoting policy changes and lobbying for changes in attitudes toward sexual violence in Croatian society and government. 

To learn more about their work and mission, or join their team of volunteers, please visit the Women’s Room website (available both in English and Croatian).