More than 60 participants gathered on June 14, 2025, for the promotion of the book “Pedofilija i seksualno zlostavljanje nad djecom”. The event was organized by the BHIDAPA Academy of Psychotherapy in cooperation with the Vrapče Psychiatric Clinic at the Mozaik Startup Studija in Sarajevo.
The book provides a comprehensive, multidisciplinary presentation of the medical, psychotherapeutic and legal aspects of recognition, prevention and intervention in the protection of children.
Pedophilia and sexual abuse are not the same: pedophilia is a medical term, and sexual abuse is a legal term. Differentiating between these two concepts is crucial for a proper approach to each case,” emphasized Prof. Goran Arbanas, Ph.D, stressing the importance of education and the responsible action of experts.
The book includes:
• diagnostic criteria for pedophilia
• risk assessment and intervention options
• pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy approaches
• challenges of destigmatizing the topic in the profession and society
The mission of the BHIDAPA Academy for Psychotherapy is not only education and strengthening of psychotherapy practice through the development of European accredited study programs, but also opening space for important, often neglected topics, and strengthening communities through mutual support and cooperation.
From that vision came the valuable cooperation with the Clinic for Psychiatry in Vrapče under the leadership of Assoc. Ph.D. Petrane Brečić, for which we are very grateful. The promotion of this book is only one of the fruits of this cooperation.
We would like to thank the authors of the book, Prof. Goran Arbanas, MD, PhD and Assoc. Prof. Aleksandar Savić, MD, PhD, as well as the other authors for their dedicated work and professional contribution, the moderator Prof. Mirjana Mavrak, PhD, the team of the Vrapče Clinic, and all the present colleagues, students, parents, media, and representatives of institutions, for your presence, once again confirming that child protection is the responsibility of all of us.
We believe that this promotion will encourage further dialogue and concrete steps towards a safer society for every child.
