General evaluation of sensitivity courses for police officers on specific needs of transsexual persons in Serbia

Members of the expert team on mental health of trans individuals from the Counselling Service for Persons Diagnosed with Gender Dysphoria (Department of Psychiatry, CHC”Dr D. Misovic) took part in sensitivity training for... [ view full abstract ]

Members of the expert team on mental health of trans individuals from the Counselling Service for Persons Diagnosed with Gender Dysphoria (Department of Psychiatry, CHC”Dr D. Misovic) took part in sensitivity training for police officers. It was a joined project organised by LABRIS (NGO for Lesbian Human Rights) and the Ministry of Internal Affairs named “Same-sex Orientation and Gender Identity in Police Work” .

The aim of this course was to support reducing trans and homophobia as well as discrimination and bad practice on an institutional level. [ view full abstract ]

The aim of this course was to support reducing trans and homophobia as well as discrimination and bad practice on an institutional level.

The sensitivity training consisted of 10 two day courses from October 2014.till December 2015. Various educational methods were used: 1. ex cathedra lectures defining terminology, etiology, special characteristics, general... [ view full abstract ]

The sensitivity training consisted of 10 two day courses from October 2014.till December 2015. Various educational methods were used: 1. ex cathedra lectures defining terminology, etiology, special characteristics, general needs and problems of transgender and transsexual individuals throughout life and process of transition; 2. interactive discussion on individual experience, current legal procedures of practice and their possible future modification in dealing with trans-persons as either victims of violence or perpetrators; 3. simulation of real situations; 4. live chat with a transsexual person.

Thus resulted in nomination of 8 Liaison Officers with the LGBT community in 4 major cities in Serbia and encouraged reporting acts of violence. [ view full abstract ]

Thus resulted in nomination of 8 Liaison Officers with the LGBT community in 4 major cities in Serbia and encouraged reporting acts of violence.

236 police officers from 27 police departments from various regions of Republic of Serbia attended the courses and learned that gender incongruence is not a mental disorder, choice, cannot be changed... Since trained officers... [ view full abstract ]

236 police officers from 27 police departments from various regions of Republic of Serbia attended the courses and learned that gender incongruence is not a mental disorder, choice, cannot be changed... Since trained officers were obliged to educate colleagues in their local police stations, additional 2000 police officers were informed on understanding what raising sensitivity for specific needs, problems on day to day basis, development of communication skills with this marginalized population, adequate reaction in situations of violence and discrimination and creating a climate of acceptance, respect and tolerance of differences means.

These courses were the latest in the line of similar courses performed for medical doctors, psychologists, social workers, elementary and high school teachers. Future plans are directed towards creating a wider network of... [ view full abstract ]

These courses were the latest in the line of similar courses performed for medical doctors, psychologists, social workers, elementary and high school teachers. Future plans are directed towards creating a wider network of collaboration between various sectors of society in promoting respect, safety and well-being of transgender, transsexual, gender variant and LGB community.