On September 25th, 2024, the Kosovar Rehabilitation Center for Torture Victims (KRCT) and forumZFD Kosovo hosted an event at Dukagjini Bookstore in Prishtina/Priština, promoting the book titled Unheard Voices – Men’s Narratives of Overcoming the Trauma of Wartime Sexual Violence. This event marked a significant contribution to the discourse surrounding sexual violence and the societal stigma survivors still face today. It forms part of the broader remembrance of the 25 years since the war in Kosovo ended, which also includes efforts to address the ongoing challenges of reconciliation and healing.
The book, which focuses specifically on the stories of male survivors, follows two earlier publications documenting the experiences of women as well as the narrations of partners and family members of female survivors. This project addresses a critical but often overlooked aspect of wartime violence – sexual violence against men, a subject that remains highly stigmatized in Kosovo and across the world. Currently, fewer than 100 men have come forward to seek therapy or support from organizations like KRCT, as many continue to struggle with feelings of shame and guilt related to the sexual violence they endured.
The event featured a panel discussion moderated by Korab Krasniqi of forumZFD, with panelists Vjollca Krasniqi, associate professor at the University of Prishtina/Priština, and Selvi Izeti Çarkaxhiu, clinical psychologist and psychotherapist at KRCT. The discussion was deepened by contributions from Dr. Feride Rushiti, executive director at KRCT, and performances by two young actors Art Pasha and Andi Bajgora, who read powerful excerpts from the book, setting the tone for the event.
Vjollca Krasniqi, with her academic expertise in gender equality, human rights and social policy, offered a deep sociological and historical analysis of the survivors’ stories. She spoke about the collective impact of stigma on social relationships, particularly the way patriarchal norms have shaped the understanding of manhood and sexual violence. Krasniqi emphasized the importance of empathy as a tool to reconstruct and heal the wounds of stigma, urging society to address these issues head-on to foster a culture of acceptance and support.
Selvi Izeti Çarkaxhiu shared her personal experiences as a psychotherapist, working with survivors and described the challenges these men face in breaking the silence. Çarkaxhiu highlighted the need for continued public discourse on the subject to break down the taboos that prevent men from seeking help. She stressed that despite the availability of services through organizations like KRCT, there is no institutional or state support for survivors of wartime sexual violence in Kosovo, emphasizing the need for a national strategy to address this issue.
The panel also addressed the broader implications of using sexual violence as a weapon of war, particularly its role in undermining men’s identities and social roles within their families and communities. Both panelists called for a stronger national response to support survivors, noting that NGOs cannot shoulder this burden alone. They highlighted the need for government intervention, not only to provide services but to create a national dialogue that helps dismantle the shame and stigma that surrounds this topic.
The two young actors’ readings brought the stories of the survivors to life, opening and ending the panel discussion with an emotional and respectful reflection on the trauma endured by the men whose voices are often silenced.
This event, and the publication it promoted, represent crucial steps in the ongoing effort to confront and heal from the legacies of the war. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of public discussions and supportive spaces for survivors to come forward without shame.
The work of forumZFD and KRCT in this area is part of a larger movement to ensure that all voices of war, especially those previously unheard, are finally given the platform they deserve.
