Zagreb, 25 November 2025 (Hina/MIA) - Croatia records a high level of gender-based violence against female journalists, while institutional protection remains insufficient, according to a study presented Tuesday by the Croatian Journalists Union for International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

The "Women in Media" study, conducted among over 600 female media workers, found that one in two has experienced sexual harassment, with half of incidents perpetrated by male colleagues and a third by supervisors. Most newsrooms lack preventive measures or clear procedures for handling harassment, and many cases go unreported due to fear of job loss, retaliation or mistrust of management.

Almost 60% of women reported no threats or physical attacks, while 29% faced threats and 12.5% received death threats. Threats came from members of the public in 45% of cases and from subjects of reporting in 40%.

The survey also found that 44% experienced gender-based discrimination, with unpaid overtime and denied rest most frequently cited.

Unwanted comments based on gender or sexuality affected 57%, primarily from male colleagues, who were also the main perpetrators of workplace sexual harassment — 48% versus 33% from supervisors. Sexual assaults were reported by 39%, with male colleagues responsible in 60% of cases and supervisors in 30%.

Qualitative findings highlighted internal factors worsening journalists' working conditions, including poor employment conditions, discrimination against mothers, everyday inappropriate remarks and fear of stigma. External risks included real-life violence, online harassment and political rhetoric that legitimises attacks on journalists.

The SNH noted that 86 attacks or threats against both male and female journalists and media were reported between 2021 and 2024. Existing protection mechanisms, such as workplace policies and dignity officers, are often unclear, inconsistently applied and subject to conflicts of interest. Systematic approaches, information and training are lacking in newsrooms.

"Fighting violence does not start only on the street or in institutions; it starts in the newsroom, at our workplace and in professional culture," SNH leader Maja Sever said, underlining the project's aim to establish mechanisms for a safe working environment for women in media.