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During the brutal Bosnian genocide and war, between 20,000-50,000 were victims of war time sexual violence. New research also indicates links between wartime sexual violence and trafficking, as well as enslavement of Bosnian women. https://balkaninsight.com/2020/12/31/wartime-sexual-violence-in-bosnia-the-human-trafficking-connection/
The Bosnian genocide is known for the many rape camps and other forms of sexual slavery which sometimes involved effectively forced marriages, as well as forced pregnancies, including forcible conversions from Islam to Christianity. These horrific instances are little discussed.
Harrowing instances of sexual abuse during the Bosnian genocide also included forcible labour and forced conversions. Sadly, the prosecution would use stereotypical tactics to undermine victims credibility. The gendered aspects of the Bosnian genocide must be discussed openly.
The tactics of silencing victims of sexual violence during the Bosnian genocide as well as the attempts to undermine their credibility through pressure and sexism must be throughly condemned. Victims of war time sexual violence must be supported and encouraged to speak out.
