Belgrade, 25 November 2025 – As part of the global campaign “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence”, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Serbia is launching the “It Is My Business” campaign for the seventh time, aiming to help build a society that does not tolerate violence. This year’s campaign focuses on breaking myths and misconceptions about sexual violence and rape, and encourages communities not to look away, but to support women who have survived this form of abuse.

Through Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, the #ItIsMyBusiness campaign will highlight the most common myths and facts about sexual violence and share practical advice on how to discuss this issue, how to support survivors, and where to find further information and help.

According to the World Health Organization, one in three women worldwide experiences some form of physical or sexual violence during her lifetime. OSCE data show that in Serbia, after the age of 15, about 5% of women have experienced sexual violence, 22% have experienced physical and/or sexual violence in or outside intimate relationships, and 42% have faced sexual harassment. Only 9% of women contacted the police after violence by a partner, and just 3% after experiencing sexual harassment.

Research by the association Femplatz on women’s safety in public spaces revealed that about 9% of women have experienced rape or attempted rape, and that most survivors never reported the assault. An additional concern arises from the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia, which reports a steady decline in the number of adults reported for the criminal offence of rape – from 92 in 2013 to 75 in 2023.

Fear, shame, distrust in institutions, and lengthy, complex legal proceedings are the main obstacles for women to report sexual violence. A decisive factor is the attitude of those around the survivor – it determines whether the victim will ever speak about her experience or whether widespread myths will create stigma that prevents her from seeking help. Myths such as “rapists are always strangers”, “victims provoke violence”, “false reports are common”, or “consent is not needed in marriage or relationships” are just some examples. 

On the other hand, research confirms that the greatest support women need after experiencing physical and/or sexual violence is someone they can talk to and who can offer moral support.

That is why, through this year’s #ItIsMyBusiness campaign, we emphasise that the attitude of family, friends, colleagues, and the community is crucial for the recovery of women who have survived sexual and other forms of violence. Instead of doubt, blame, and silence, we need to believe and understand. Let support be stronger than trauma!