Kosovo’s Failures: A Systemic Neglect of Domestic Violence Victims

Amnesty International Report Criticizes Kosovo Authorities for Failing Domestic Violence Victims

Introduction

Amnesty International has released a report that highlights the failures of the Kosovo authorities in addressing the issue of domestic violence and providing support and protection to survivors. Despite widespread protests and calls for action following a significant number of femicides in recent years, the report suggests that survivors, most of whom are women and girls, face numerous barriers in obtaining justice and support. The report emphasizes the need for Kosovo authorities to take further steps to combat domestic violence, protect survivors’ rights, and address their priority concerns.

Obstacles Faced by Survivors

The report reveals that survivors of domestic violence in Kosovo face obstacles at every turn as they try to escape abusive situations. The authorities’ response is primarily focused on criminal prosecutions, with almost all survivors being required to report violence to the police in order to access shelters. However, the report highlights the inadequacy of support provided to survivors to enable them to live independent lives away from abuse.

Furthermore, survivors from marginalized groups, such as Serb, Roma, Ashkali, and Kosovo-Egyptian communities, as well as LGBTI survivors, face additional barriers due to intersecting forms of discrimination. The report underscores the urgent need for the authorities to address these systemic issues and ensure that all survivors, regardless of their background, have equal access to justice, support, and protection.

Gaps in State Support

While Kosovo authorities have recently taken steps to strengthen legislation and improve policies related to domestic violence, Amnesty International identifies numerous gaps in the state support available for survivors. These gaps include barriers to compensation and other legal entitlements, inadequate support services for survivors leaving shelters, and harmful prejudice from police officers, overworked social workers, and unhelpful victim advocates. Survivors also lack information about their rights and available remedies and assistance.

Kosovo authorities must address these gaps by providing sufficient resources and involving survivors in decision-making processes that affect them. The report recognizes that survivors should be at the center of the response to domestic violence, and their voices and experiences should inform policies and interventions.

Socio-Economic Barriers

Amnesty International’s report also highlights significant socio-economic barriers that prevent women in Kosovo from leaving abusive situations and living free of fear and violence in the long run. It notes that in 2017, only 17% of women in Kosovo were formally employed compared to 50% of men. Additionally, women face obstacles in terms of property ownership, inheritance, and division of property in divorce proceedings, all of which tend to disadvantage them.

To address these socio-economic barriers, Kosovo authorities must implement comprehensive measures that empower women, such as supporting them in accessing housing, professional qualifications, and employment opportunities. It is essential to create an environment where survivors can rebuild their lives and have economic independence.

Editorial: Turning Commitments into Action

The Amnesty International report reveals deeply troubling failures by the Kosovo authorities in addressing domestic violence and providing support to survivors. The authorities must understand that commitments made on paper are meaningless if they are not translated into concrete action.

Domestic violence is a grave human rights violation that continues to plague societies around the world. It is imperative that Kosovo authorities recognize the urgency of the situation and take decisive steps to protect and support survivors. This requires not only adequate resources but also a commitment to meaningful engagement with survivors and civil society organizations that work tirelessly to address this issue.

The report highlights the need to listen to survivors and involve them in decision-making processes. Survivors possess valuable insights and experiences that can inform effective strategies to combat domestic violence. By actively engaging with survivors and incorporating their perspectives, Kosovo authorities can develop comprehensive and rights-respecting responses that address the root causes of domestic violence.

Furthermore, it is crucial for the authorities to address the systemic discrimination faced by marginalized communities. Survivors from these communities experience intersecting forms of discrimination, exacerbating the violence and barriers they face. By recognizing and addressing these systemic issues, Kosovo authorities can create an inclusive and supportive environment for all survivors.

Advice: Prioritizing Survivor Support and Protection

Amnesty International’s report demonstrates the urgent need for the Kosovo authorities to prioritize survivor support and protection in their response to domestic violence. The following are key recommendations to address the identified gaps and improve the situation for survivors:

1. Strengthen Support Services

Kosovo authorities must allocate sufficient resources to enhance support services for survivors, including shelters, medical care, counseling, and legal assistance. The focus should extend beyond immediate protection to enabling survivors to rebuild their lives, gain independence, and secure economic stability. These services should be accessible to all survivors, regardless of their background.

2. Training and Accountability

Police officers, social workers, and victim advocates must receive comprehensive training to ensure they respond sensitively and effectively to survivors. Any form of disrespectful treatment must be addressed, and accountability measures should be put in place to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.

3. Legal Protections and Compensation

The authorities should take steps to ensure that legal protections are upheld and that survivor rights are respected. This includes the provision of compensation to survivors and the implementation of adequate sentences for perpetrators that match the gravity of the offense. Courts must be empowered to order perpetrators to compensate victims in criminal proceedings.

4. Inclusive Response

Survivors from marginalized communities, including ethnic minority groups and LGBTI individuals, require tailored support that addresses the specific challenges they face due to intersecting forms of discrimination. The authorities must proactively involve these communities in decision-making processes to create an inclusive response to domestic violence.

5. Socio-Economic Empowerment

To address the socio-economic barriers faced by survivors, Kosovo authorities should prioritize initiatives that promote women’s economic empowerment. Support should be provided in terms of housing, professional qualifications, and employment opportunities to enable survivors to live independent lives away from abuse.

In conclusion, the Amnesty International report serves as a wake-up call for the authorities in Kosovo to take immediate and decisive action to address domestic violence. By prioritizing survivor support and protection, listening to survivors’ voices, and working together with civil society organizations, Kosovo can make significant progress in combating this pervasive issue and creating a society where all individuals can live free from violence and fear.

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