Public discussion on parenting held in Kotor
The public discussion about the relation of parents and children held in Kotor was the second in a row within the #EndViolence campaign.
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KOTOR, 21 March 2017 - Kotor was the second stop for the Museum of Family Memories.
On that occasion, within the UNICEF and the Government of Montenegro #EndViolence campaign, supported by the EU and the Telenor Foundation, the municipality hosted a public discussion on relations between children and parents.
Recent scientific evidence give indubitable answers as to the consequences of violence against children.
The more children are exposed to violence, neglect and all forms of adversity while growing up, the more likely it is that as adults they will be ill, or fall ill more frequently, show behavioural problems, have problems with addiction, have lower educational achievements, be exposed to the greater risk of unemployment and are more likely to engage in crime.
Globally, 40 percent of children grow with poor parental attachment. Montenegro faces similar problems. Namely, one in two Montenegrins believe that physical punishment of children is acceptable and that yelling at a child is not violence. One third believe that threats and a slap in the face do not constitute violence, while one in four do not recognise blackmailing as a form of violence in raising children. Most respondents (77%) believe parents should not allow children to challenge their decisions.
Based on his pedagogical experience, Petar Pejakovic, Montenegrin theatre director and the director of the International Kotor Festival of Theatre for Children, talked about violence among children and its linkages with domestic violence.
"For the last 25 years I’ve spent every day of my life with them and I witness it on daily basis. I see it even among children who are more progressive and creative. They simply bring the violence from family, from peers, from society, from the media, and this is something very much present", warned Pejakovic.
The Mayor of Kotor, Vladimir Jokic, is concerned about the fact that violence against children is still being tolerated in Montenegro.
"For that reason, a long and intensive journey of education is ahead of all of us in order for every single parent to become aware of the fact that domestic violence is one of the gravest forms of traumatic experiences overall, particularly for the emotional development of children", said Jokic, who hosted the public discussion organised within the End Violence campaign, aiming at identifying local services needed to help parents with raising children without violence.
Tatjana Sabolski from the NGO Association of Psychologists reminded that many Montenegrin towns do not have support services for parents.
"There are no marriage or family counselling services, no parenting schools or family counsellors working with families in crisis", warned Sabolski and stressed that happiness and self-confidence of children depend on the respect that parents show to them while growing up.
Kristina Mihailovic from the Association “Parents” reminded that a toll-free helpline for parents is now available in Montenegro. Parents can call and talk to experts about the dilemmas they have concerning raising their children. Parents may seek advice by dialling 080 888 888 every working day between 4 and 8 pm. This service is completely free-of-charge.
The public discussion about the relation of parents and children held in Kotor was the second in a row within the #EndViolence campaign. It was preceded by the same event in Budva. The public debate will continue over the coming months in all Montenegrin municipalities with support from the EU and Telenor Foundation.
