Gender-based and domestic violence remain pervasive issues worldwide, disproportionately affecting women. In many communities in Kosovo, domestic violence is still often regarded as a private matter to be handled within the family. While Kosovo’s legal framework on gender-based and domestic violence aligns with international standards, consistent enforcement remains a challenge. Many women do not report abuse, and cases that are reported are often handled without adequate sensitivity or seriousness. Recognizing this gap, the NGO Zensko Pravo launched an initiative to raise awareness among judicial and law enforcement actors in northern Kosovo, while fostering stronger multisectoral coordination to improve responses to violence cases.
Zensko Pravo began by building awareness through monthly meetings and training sessions with prosecutors, victim advocates, and judges handling domestic and gender-based violence cases. These sessions focused on gender-sensitive approaches and practical case studies, addressing challenges in implementing Kosovo’s legal framework effectively. A roundtable discussion brought together judicial, prosecution, and law enforcement representatives with civil society actors to examine systemic obstacles, such as inappropriate referrals to mediation, victim displacement from shared homes, and the lack of social housing support for survivors. Public engagement activities, including artistic performances, debates, and awareness campaigns, helped women, girls, and minority groups understand their rights and the services available to survivors. The initiative also addressed economic barriers, with seminars covering women’s rights to property and inheritance.
Building on this increased awareness, the initiative moved into active collaboration between judiciary, prosecution, police, and civil society. Cooperation agreements were established, and workshops helped key stakeholders develop joint strategies for more effective case management, including improved reporting and follow-up. Health and education institutions joined efforts to strengthen cross-sectoral responses to domestic and gender-based violence. Survivors received free legal and psychosocial support, including a woman escaping 17 years of repeated assault, minors receiving therapy alongside their families, and Roma victims accessing legal guidance and safe housing. Legal consultations helped survivors navigate proceedings and reinforced trust in institutions, demonstrating the importance of accessible legal aid for achieving justice.
The initiative laid the groundwork for closer collaboration between institutions while raising public awareness of victims’ rights. Project participants highlighted the value of multi-sectoral cooperation and practical collaboration in addressing specific cases rather than merely procedures. Media coverage of the project amplified its impact, informing local communities about available support services. Recommendations from participants emphasized maintaining multi-sectoral cooperation, expanding public awareness campaigns, and enhancing social and legal support for survivors. Zensko Pravo continues to work with local authorities, health and social services, and civil society organizations to ensure ongoing collaboration and support.
Thanks to additional funding, Zensko Pravo continues providing free legal aid and psychosocial support for survivors, with an increasing number of beneficiaries reflecting growing trust and awareness among women about their rights. Plans are underway to create a mobile support team to expand the accessibility of specialized services in the field. Overall, the initiative “Prevention of Violence against Women in Northern Kosovo – Protected and Safe” has contributed to a safer, more just society where survivors’ rights are recognized and protected. The project, implemented from October 2021 to April 2022, was supported by the Kosovo Women’s Network’s Kosovo Women’s Fund, financed by the Austrian Development Agency and co-financed by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, and contributed directly to KWN’s program “A Life Free from Gender-based Violence.”
