SARAJEVO CANTON TO LAUNCH INFORMATION CAMPAIGNS ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND JUVENILE DELINQUENCY

SARAJEVO, Bosnia (26.September,2007) - This week the Ministry of Interior of the Sarajevo Canton will launch information campaigns on domestic violence and juvenile delinquency.

They will visit schools to raise young people’s awareness, air spots and participate in TV and radio shows.

Inspector Mićo Letić stated that the Sarajevo Canton police have been implementing prevention projects since 2003, but that much remains to be done.

“The Bosnian government has adopted a strategy to prevent juvenile delinquency last year.However, nothing has been done so far,” he said.

Inspector Suada Kuldija said that only five years ago the police could not react to a report on domestic violence as it was not considered a criminal offence. There was not way to sanction perpetrators at the time. Today, they appeal to victims to turn to the police.

Inspector Kuldija added that the Sarajevo Canton is the only canton in Bosnia that has a coordination body to combat domestic violence, including ministries, NGOs and the media. This has widely contributed to curbing similar criminal offences.