Jelena Veljača

Jelena Veljača (1981.) is an experienced TV author and a producer, and an author of a weekly column in the Croatian newspapers Jutarnji list, covering feminism and popular culture since 2008.

In 2019., Jelena started the initiative #spasime, standing up for the rights of domestic violence, sexual assault and harassment victims. In 2021., in collaboration with journalist Mirsada Begović she wrote a screenplay for her first feature I am F, drawing on the close relationships established with the actual victims. The feature is in production. Along with her colleagues from the initiative, she organized two major protests, that led to their involvement in numerous government lead work groups for law making and strategies for stronger protection of the domestic and sexual abuse victims. Jelena herself represents initiative #spasime in the work group for National plan for combating sexual violence and sexual harassment, and in the work group for National program for protection from domestic violence. She continues to be the face of fight for victims of domestic and sexual abuse, gender equality issues, women’s rights, and LGTBQ rights.