The story of Besjana Kosturi, a young Albanian woman who endured abduction and assault by two Romanian men in Italy, underscores the urgent need to confront the harmful prejudices that persist within our society. Appearing to a local show, Besjana bravely recounted her traumatic experience, shedding light on the harsh realities faced by survivors of gender-based violence.
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| Besjana Kosturi in Rome calling through a megaphone for solidarity and justice in Rome after her rape by Romanians |
In May 2016, Besjana was forcibly taken and subjected to hours of horrific violence in a shack in the Prenestina area of Rome. Her ordeal not only captured headlines in Italian media but also reverberated through Albanian news outlets. However, instead of receiving the support and empathy she deserved, Besjana encountered a wave of skepticism and condemnation from some Albanian commentators, who callously dismissed her account or insinuated ulterior motives.
"It was a profound trauma. It was a random encounter. I had never met them; they were just strangers. I didn't grow up in Albania, and I was shocked by the comments from average Albanians. I received comments ranging from skepticism to outright hostility. They all became judges and prosecutors when I had all the facts. I wanted to tell them that I don't care about them at all. I see them as bugs; I don't see them on my intellectual level. They dream of having the life I have. I'm not ashamed because I have no fault," Besjana bravely articulated.
Besjana's harrowing experience highlights the damaging effects of victim-blaming and the pervasive culture of disbelief that often surrounds survivors of gender-based violence. Despite facing immense danger, Besjana displayed remarkable resilience and resourcefulness, negotiating with her captors to ensure her survival.
Moreover, Besjana's revelation that the response to her case was more empathetic and civil in Italy than in Albania underscores the urgent need to address societal attitudes towards survivors of violence. Every survivor deserves to be heard, believed, and supported, without fear of judgment or prejudice.
As Besjana's story echoes across our communities, let it serve as a catalyst for change—a call to challenge harmful prejudices, dismantle victim-blaming narratives, and foster a culture of empathy, understanding, and solidarity with survivors of gender-based violence. Only then can we truly create a society where every individual feels safe, respected, and valued.