In this paper the findings of literature review and explorative empirical
research of yoga application in the work with victims of various forms of
sufferings is presented. The largest notion of victim is accepted, which
encompasses victims of crime, victims of human rights violations (including
convicted persons), as well as victims of war, natural disasters and other
sufferings. After determination of the notion of victim and yoga, the review
and analyses of research findings and direct experiences with the application
of yoga in victim support and victimisation prevention worldwide and in
Serbia, is done. The author?s research findings as well as personal
experiences with the application of yoga in the work with prisoners in prison
for women in Pozarevac (Serbia), within the workshops that Victimology
Society of Serbia implemented during 2012/2013, are presented as well. In the
conclusions, contribution of yoga to holistic approach to victim support as
well as important role that yoga may have in prevention of victimisation and
criminalisation, is stressed. The importance of yoga for support of prisoners
as the part of preparation for re-entry and with the aim to prevent
recidivism, as well as to enable their more successful reintegration into the
society, is particularly emphasised. The paper is based on the research
implemented by the author for the purpose of writing the final essey at the
course for yoga instructors on International yoga academy, Yoga Allience of
Serbia.
Yoga and victims
