Survivors of domestic violence in Kosovo face obstacles in every direction as they try to leave abusive situations. The authorities\u2019 response is too narrowly focused on criminal prosecutions. Indeed, almost all survivors are required to report violence to the police in order to access shelters. At the same time, not enough is being done to support survivors to live independent lives away from abuse. \u00a0Survivors from marginalised groups are also being forgotten.<\/p>\n

Lauren Aarons, Amnesty International\u2019s Deputy Program Director and Head of Gender<\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

In recent years the Kosovo authorities have taken considerable steps to strengthen legislation and improve policies to address survivors\u2019 needs. Most recently, in March 2023, the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo approved at first reading a new draft law on the prevention of and protection from domestic violence, violence against women and gender-based violence. That is largely harmonised with Istanbul Convention and other international human rights conventions and includes comprehensive policies against gender-based violence.<\/p>\n

Amnesty International, however, found numerous gaps in the state support available for survivors of domestic violence and a lack of action to involve them in decision-making, undermining their rights.<\/p>\n

These gaps include barriers to compensation and other legal entitlements such as alimony, and inadequate support services for survivors leaving shelters. Survivors also described harmful prejudice from police officers, overworked social workers, unhelpful or absent victim advocates and a lack of information about their rights or available remedies and assistance. Survivors from ethnic minority communities such as Serb, Roma, Ashkali and Kosovo-Egyptian communities, and LGBTI survivors face additional barriers due to intersecting forms of discrimination that they face.<\/p>\n

Barriers to accessing support.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Women in Kosovo face significant socio-economic barriers that prevent them from leaving abusive situations and living free of fear and violence in the long run. In 2017, only 17% of women in Kosovo were formally employed compared to 50% of men, and in 2021, only 18% of property was owned by women compared to 79% by men. Additionally, women are often excluded from family inheritance and the property division between spouses in divorce proceedings also tends to disadvantage women. \u00a0<\/p>\n

If survivors try to leave abusive situations, at best they receive initial protection and short-term support, but are then left alone to try and rebuild their lives, with insufficient help in accessing housing, professional qualifications or employment.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Kosovo authorities have committed to putting survivors at the centre of their response to domestic violence. Now they need to turn this commitment into action. This means providing sufficient resources, but also listening to survivors and working with them to develop more comprehensive and rights respecting responses,\u201d said Lauren Aarons.<\/p>\n