Abstract: The subject of this paper is the implementation of family constellations by Bert Hellinger in work with clients with special emphasis on victims of physical and sexual violence. Although extremely popular in Europe and the world it has not been presented in Serbian scientific literature. As the approach has been developed in Germany as an answer to the situation where a significant part of population was a victim or perpetrator of violence during the Second World War causing suffering not only to them, but also to their offsprings, it offers a special contribution to the work with victims of violence. The aims of the paper are the presentation and analysis of the implementation of family constellations by Bert Hellinger and their effects generally in work with clients as well as with victims of physical and sexual violence. The technique of family constellations based on systemic and phenomenological approach is presented and discussed. Work is in the group, where participants form the circle and person who seeks problem resolution invites representatives - persons who are crucial for problem solution previously agreed with constellation facilitator - constellator. The constellator communicate with the representatives, encouraging them to express feelings, sensations and movement that will facilitate progress towards finding the optimal solution. The basic theoretical concepts are also analysed, including two types of conscience (individual and family), three basic principles of orders of love (principle of equal right to belong, principle of balance between giving and taking and principle of order) and three levels of the soul (individual, family and great soul). The approach to overcoming consequences of violence on victims of physical violence and incest through symbolic interconnecting with the perpetrator is analysed. When it is applied to violence the victim has an opportunity to get a more comprehensive understanding and to experience an alternative solution that could generate impulse for overcoming the violence. A frequent solution is that the perpetrator takes responsibility and expresses guilt for the deed and suffers together with the victim. That enables the victim to accept and overcome the effects of the violence. This solution is also useful in overcoming consequences of incest because it enables the victim to accept the perpetrator as a member of family. The victim could also have an insight into the role of other family members and significant others, accept it and find a better place in the family for himself/herself. This approach causes different reaction with public with its focus on reparation instead on retribution even in such a difficult issue as incest. Qualitative and quantitative evaluations have documented the positive effects of family constellations on problem solving and social relations of both active and observing participants. Further systematic researches of constellations’ effects on victims of violence and comparative studies with other therapeutic approaches are needed.

Abstract: This article discusses how professionally unethical practices by journalists during collection and dissemination of crime incident information in Africa, could exacerbate harm to victims of terrorist attacks. The views expressed the outcome of a desk-based study on crime reporting in Africa. Writing through the lens of ‘vulnerability’ from a non-western context, this article highlights double standards applied by some foreign and international press, who observe stipulated ethical reporting standards “at home” thereby avoiding further harm to crime victims, while disregarding these guidelines, or applying them selectively “abroad”. Reports on the Westgate Mall 21/9/2017 terrorist attack in Nairobi are used to illustrate the potential of ‘jigsaw puzzle effect’ in leading to additional victimisation by making victims identifiable, compromising their safety and psychological well-being while portraying disrespect for human dignity. The author advocates responsible journalism as a reflection of the duty of care for victims’ welfare and encourages further discussion on ethical considerations in professional crime reporting.

Abstract: Many Africans confront and deal with very trying situations in their countries that are very different from the comforts enjoyed in developed parts of the world. Labeled as a ‘traumatized continent’ (Norridge, 2013: 64), many Africans motivated by the basic human necessities for food and safety flee their countries, seeking refuge in South Africa. The large influx of refugees has given rise to invalid concerns from the government and the ‘champions’ of their interest (Mauss, 1975: 10), the media. These concerns have spurred changes in the practice of the asylum system which are aimed at targeting refugees, rather than improving their situation, increasing the vulnerability of persons already fleeing persecution: the refugees, the victims. The aim of this paper is to analyze the problem from a victimological stand point, and draw attention to the issue that more research needs to be conducted with victims to improve our understanding of the impacts these practices have.

Abstract: Based on the contemporary research on gender and language, using the method of discourse analysis applied to the laws and policies, this article explains how certain linguistic practice, in the context of the administrative discourse, produces meaning that may or may not contribute to its better understanding and more efficient implementation. Through discourse analysis of gender equality and non-discrimination laws and strategies in Serbia, it has been shown how and with what consequences the socio-political and academic elites affect defining and promoting certain concepts (gender, sex, gender equality, discrimination) in one social and historical moment. The paper is placed in the theoretical framework of three visions of gender equality: perspective of equal treatment, women‘s perspectives and gender perspective (Booth, Bennett 2002), that are corresponding to the three strategies for achieving gender equality: equal treatment, specific policy of gender equality and gender mainstreaming (Verloo, 2001). The discourse analysis of the Law on Gender Equality (2009), the National Strategy for the Improvement of the Position of Women and Advancement of Gender Equality (2009), the Law on Prohibition of Discrimination (2009) and the Strategy for Prevention and Protection against Discrimination (2013), has shown the context of use and meaning of terms gender and sex, as well as implications it has on their potential to change the existing paradigms and understanding of gender equality, and the implementation of policies in Serbia. Analysis of the use of terms sex and gender in the most important legal and strategic documents for achieving gender equality, showed that the choice of certain categories and terms is always a political choice. The authors show how these documents are written in the key of two gender perspectives and strategies: equal treatment and the specific policy of gender equality, while the third - introduction of a gender perspective and gender mainstreaming is almost not mentioned, although it is consider to have the greatest potential for transformation of existing patterns of power and hierarchy in society (Booth, Bennett, 2002; Verloo 2005; Walby, 2011). While it is clear that neither laws nor strategies can reflect the complete corpus of knowledge and ideology of gender equality and feminist theory, it is essential that they, at the discourse level, act as a source of new knowledge and understanding of these concepts. Better connection between these documents and the contemporary feminist theory, the use of knowledge accumulated within gender studies, as well as their consistent linguistic and terminological compatibility and innovation, would contribute to a better understanding of concepts, terminology and knowledge of gender equality among the general public.

Abstract: This article discusses gendered conceptions of vulnerability at play in destination states’ formulation and implementation of return policies. Based on qualitative interviews in Norway with asylum reception centre personnel, social workers who work with irregular migrants, and asylum seekers whose asylum applications have been rejected, this article argues that some forms of vulnerability are more easily recognized by authorities, frontline personnel and migrants themselves. Conceptual blind spots have consequences for access to assistance and protection, and may exacerbate vulnerabilities. While return and reintegration programmes offer particular benefits for returnees considered ‘vulnerable’, research by the authors has found an unwillingness to apply this label beyond female victims of human trafficking for the purpose of prostitution. The reasons for this, this article argues, are both institutional and cultural.

Abstract: Shame can be felt after causing harm and after being harmed by wrongdoing. Failure to address shame can increase the possibility of the victim-offender overlap, making victims more likely to offend and offenders more likely to be victimized. An online, individually applied, restorative apology process could help prevent the victim-offender overlap by helping heal harm. People who have caused harm are given the opportunity to be accountable and explore how they might help repair damage they have caused, while those harmed can address any violation and shame felt. Anecdotal evidence indicates restorative apologies delivered either personally, or only imagined, can help individuals heal from harm and trauma. Open access to restorative apology processes is provided at www.apologyletter.org. The purpose of this paper is to show how the confidential apology program can help people address harm and shame. Appendices A and B provide an imagined apology exercise and guidelines for preparing a combined apology and gratitude letter, which can assist individuals affected by wrongdoing.

Abstract: When people become victims of terrorism in a country other than their own, they often face diverse legal, financial, cultural and political difficulties. This paper addresses peer support groups in their various forms (e.g. therapeutic support groups, victim association gatherings, online forums, etc.), as an effective way of helping people affected by cross-border terrorist attacks to deal with the complex problems they face, thus alleviating some of their suffering. It focuses on two major international incidents affecting British nationals: the attacks of 11 September 2001 and the Paris attacks of 13 November 2015. The author was an initiator of peer-support systems for the UK-based bereaved and survivors following both atrocities. Here, she draws on her experience to highlight the benefits and identify potential challenges of such peer-support groups in tackling some of the complex problems individuals affected by cross-border terrorist attacks encounter.