Is It Possible to Achieve Zero Tolerance on Sexual Harassment and Violence in Public Space? A Look Through the Lenses of Critical Social Work

Abstract

This paper presents the research findings within the project “Banja Luka City with zero tolerance on sexual harassment and sexual violence” conducted by Foundation United Women that was supported from UN Women in Bosnia and Herzegovina within the initiative Safe Cities and Safe Public Places that was carried out in the city of Banja Luka as pilot project. In this paper we attempt to answer the question: Is it possible to achieve zero tolerance on sexual harassment and sexual violence in public space in city of Banja Luka?  Our attempt to do so includes looking through the lenses of critical social work and use the theoretical framework of feminist theories, all under the umbrella of critical social theory, in order to have better understanding of social phenomenon of sexual harassment and sexual violence in public space. The research findings presented in this paper include analysis on data collected on regarding the following: opinions of citizens on the need to legally sanction sexual harassment and sexual violence in public space, how safe do we feel in public space, forms of sexual harassment and violence that can be recognised or have experienced, what is the level of public awareness, and how informed were citizens about the Campaign ‘NO means NO” carried out in the city of Banja Luka.