There are sentences that are repeated so many times that they begin to sound like the truth.
“If it were really that bad, she would leave.”
“She must have provoked him somehow.”
“That is their private matter.”
These sentences are not harmless. They directly contribute to violence lasting longer, to victims staying silent and to perpetrators remaining unpunished.
One of the most widespread myths is that a woman would “leave if it were really that bad”. This claim ignores everything: fear of the abuser, economic dependence, children, feelings of guilt, pressure from the environment and even the hope that things will change. Leaving is not a simple gesture — research shows that this is precisely the most dangerous time for a woman in a violent relationship, because the risk of escalation then becomes the highest.
Another myth says that violence happens only in poor families. The truth is that it appears in all environments. The only difference is how visible it is from the outside. Behind the closed doors of expensive apartments, violence looks exactly the same.
A third myth is that a woman “must have provoked something”. This shifts the blame onto the woman who is experiencing violence. No one deserves violence — not because of an argument, not because of disagreement, and not because of anything else. Responsibility is always on the person committing violence, without exception.
It is also often believed that “if there are no bruises, there is no violence”. This may be the most harmful myth. Psychological, economic and sexual violence do not leave visible marks, but their consequences are deep and often more severe than physical ones.
Finally, there is the misconception that violence is a “private family matter”. Violence is never private. It is a matter of safety and human rights. When the environment stays silent, the victim becomes even more isolated, and the abuser gains power.
Reporting violence is never “exaggerating”. It is one of the bravest steps a woman can take, often after years of silence.
Breaking myths is not only symbolic. The way we speak about violence directly affects how much support women receive — from family, friends and institutions. If you recognise yourself in these words, know that you are not alone. Violence is never your fault. Your strength lies in seeing the truth and seeking support. Every woman deserves a life without fear, and society has a responsibility to make that life a reality.
The “OSNAŽI” project works precisely toward this: through education, psychosocial support and empowering women toward a safer environment — where no woman will be left alone. The project is implemented with the support of the Secretariat for Social Protection of the City of Belgrade.
