Workshop on preventing and combating domestic violence and violence against women

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Published: March 5, 2025

Together with the Kosovan police, the IRZ held the above-mentioned workshop in Pristina from 20 to 21 February 2025 as a kick-off event for the supra-regional project ‘Promoting the rule of law in the Western Balkans’, which is funded by the German Federal Foreign Office.

The almost 40 police officers from across Kosovo, as well as representatives from the Public Prosecutors Office and the probation service, first received an overview from the Kosovan side of the development of new capacities within the relevant police departments for dealing with domestic violence. For example, there are specially designed rooms for the protection of victims, information cards with contact and support options, intensified prevention campaigns and the development of a central database on cases of domestic violence. The introduction of electronic ankle bracelets is also planned. The German experts explained how the police handle cases of domestic violence and police measures in Germany. They described the work with perpetrators and victims, as well as the cooperation with family courts and the possibilities for protection under criminal and civil law. On the basis of the presented regulations of the German Protection against Violence Act in comparison to the Kosovan law adopted in 2023, there were some lively discussions and questions on points such as victim protection, protection orders and addiction problems.

The problems and challenges in implementing the law on domestic violence were discussed constructively and sometimes controversially, but ultimately promoted mutual understanding for the further implementation of the law. Another positive aspect to be highlighted is the increased awareness and transparency in cases of domestic violence in Kosovo. However, the number of unreported assaults is still high, as it is in Germany. During the exchange, it became clear that many cases in Kosovo are not reported because, according to the participants, the number of women not in employment is comparatively high, particularly in rural areas, and there is often a ‘culture of trivialising’ domestic violence.