Vesna Petrushevska says daughter Mina was subjected to abuse and online harassment
The actress says Mina endured physical violence and received sexually explicit images at 13–14; she urges parents to keep open lines of communication.
Actor Vesna Petrushevska spoke openly about a painful chapter in her family's life, saying her daughter Mina was subjected to different forms of abuse, including physical assaults and harassment through social media.
Open lines at home, and the danger that follows children online
Petrushevska recounted the conversation on the series "Na klupa so..." on Macedonian Telekom, where she also reflected on her own childhood experience of being ridiculed for an eye problem. She said that experience led her to teach Mina to tell her everything that happened at school.
"I was mocked at school because of my crooked eye and that's why I taught Mina to tell me everything they do to her at school," Petrushevska said, describing how she tried to build a relationship in which no topic was off-limits.
What she learned from Mina, she said, was deeply disturbing. "From hitting her head against the wall, to having an arm bent. And not to mention the violence over social networks," she said, adding that Mina, at just 13 or 14 years old, received inappropriate and sexually explicit images online.
"So imagine, at 13–14 years old receiving such pictures in your inbox," Petrushevska said, underlining how quickly harassment can cross into sexual exploitation when children are active online.
She argued that open communication between parents and children is one of the most important tools for spotting trouble early. In conversations with other youngsters, she often asks why they do not tell their parents when they face abuse; common answers are that parents are busy, have no time, or that children feel no one will really listen.
Petrushevska also warned about the role of bystanders. "When we watch and remain silent, we become part of the audience. Because the audience gives space to hatred," she said. Her message was clear: preventing abuse involves not only protecting the child but also prompting friends, classmates, teachers and parents to act.
Photo: press material from the event
