PAGE TITLE several occasions. The sentence was later withdrawn; however, we know that the initial story will always reach more people than its retraction, Mirjana Mitic reminds us. She adds that the Autonomous Women’s Centre is in regular contact with the Centres for Social Work and that state institutions did not provide clear instructions to these centers. “We even addressed the Ministry in writing and demanded that they provide specific guidelines when it comes to models of seeing children during curfew, according to a verdict or a temporary measure,” she says, “and to this day we haven’t received an answer.” There are many examples of how the problem of violence against women has been dealt with worldwide during the pandemic. In France, transit information points were opened in shopping malls in cooperation with local associations, public services, and shopping center managers. These have enabled women to seek help in conditions that guarantee confidentiality and their safety, particularly in terms of their health. In parts of the UK, police have trained postal workers and drivers delivering goods to recognize the signs of abuse. There is also the Mask 19 initiative (which was initially launched in Spain but has since spread to many countries). If a woman asks for such a mask in a pharmacy, she is discreetly indicating that she is a victim of abuse. In France, women and children were given accommodation in empty hotel rooms instead of being placed in collective accommodation. GETTING READY FOR A NEW WAVE The Autonomous Women’s Centre used the lower incidence of COVID-19 during the summer months to prepare for how to provide support during future waves of the pandemic and future emergencies. Consultants were trained in how to safely use video applications to provide individual sessions to female victims of violence. The center’s staff also distributed leaflets containing SOS numbers in the seventeen municipalities of Belgrade (in Centres for Social Work, private clinics, and pharmacies). However, Mirjana Mitic believes it is necessary for both state institutions and civil society to act together. “Even without a crisis, we have to have a unified response to domestic violence and agree on the minimum standards for providing different services,” she says. Lidija Vasiljevic agrees with this statement and points out that systemic institutional support is lacking, regardless of the current health crisis. “The problem is the lack of permanence and continuity in providing support,” she explains. “Help is sporadic and often inadequate. There is a lack of free help and free counseling, but also a lack of mental health crisis centres. Both the mental and physical health of individuals are equally threatened. “A good model would be self-organization, which formerly existed within the networks of psychotherapists and psychologists. However, due to the excessive administrative and technical procedures, fewer people were able to get help,” Vasiljevic continues. “The Mental Health Crisis Centre could be the place where those who need help can stop by 24/7, in compliance with all the current COVID-19 measures. At the moment, so much money has been made available for online conferences and other less necessary things.” We do not know whether there will be any further developments in this area as the pandemic continues. We are also unsure about what the response of institutions will be and whether they have learned something from the challenges encountered during the pandemic. Judging by the experience of other countries, we can conclude that it is vital to have a unified response from state institutions and civil society organizations in order to create sustainable solutions during crises and find new and specially tailored ways to help vulnerable women. ■ Courtesy of Reuters / Thomson Reuters Foundation / INSP.ngo March 2021 DENVER VOICE 11 HABEEL HARNEY GOD You make rules that seem absurd! Ones that make us think! Others we dare not try in our conscious! So we strive for the impossible! Hoping on clouds and winds! To be let down and disappointed! Yet through the constant discussion! Your appearance shows! Through unexpected wonders! D. GLORSO INCENTIVE With this COVID-19 Pandemic Dreams have become Almost too real for me In last night’s dream you were so glad to see me As I was thrilled seeing you Others told me you were waiting Near the end of my slumber We were finally connected As the clouds cleared You drove up in the old Woodie Your left elbow was hanging out The driver side window You’re smile greeted me You said it’s been a long time son I’m glad you finally invited me Into your dreams I love you mom I’m sorry I’ve been away so long I didn’t know you kept The old woody Why did I not remember We had such great times together I recall you driving A carload of kids To Lake Wakanda We swam all day long Those hot summers were cool I recall finally being tall enough To go down the giant slide You coached me As we watch the other kids Climb the steep tower Viewing a shiny stainless steel slide Almost vertical My eyes glued to the face Of each kid hanging from the bar Release and tuck their hands Behind their heads Bracing now for the giant loop Casting their bodies into the air High above the water surface Feet first gliding into the wind Then splashing deep into the water Your repetitious words of coaching Helped me gain courage Through my entire childhood Why did I not ever thank you? Many challenges You bolstered in me As now I write down my thoughts And read them back to you I love you always Mom Thank you For all the incentives you instilled in me WRITING THROUGH HARD TIMES COURTESY OF DENVER PUBLIC LIBRARY AND LIGHTHOUSE WRITERS WORKSHOP The Hard Times Writing Workshop is a collaboration between Denver Public Library and Lighthouse Writers Workshop. It’s open to all members of the public, especially those experiencing homelessness. Each month, the Denver VOICE publishes a selection of writing from these workshops. Virtual workshops: lighthousewriters.org/workshop/denver-public-library-hard-times More writing by these featured poets: writedenver.org
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