Most studies of gender-based violence in Bosnia and Herzegovina primarily deal with women, resulting in an incomplete picture of the problem. This study, based on results of previous studies, focuses on prevailing social norms, men’s attitudes and behaviours, and how they perpetuate violence. Decision makers dared to be the first in the region to observe this phenomenon in this way and find out how to react and develop prevention programmes.
Due to the complexity of the phenomenon of violence, the study consisted of three interrelated and complementary components (preparatory phase, quantitative and qualitative study), thus providing a comprehensive picture of the social structures, with an emphasis on norms, attitudes and behaviours related to gender-based violence. A research tool was developed for studying masculinity and violence against women. Taking into account long-term goals of violence prevention and achieving gender-quality, results of the study may be relevant starting point for programme and policy recommendations, as well as strategic interventions in this field.