14 November 2024, Prishtina – Under the framework of JUST REACT initiative, Group for Legal and Political Studies (GLPS) and the Community Development Fund (CDF), held a Roundtable Discussion to publish the Annual Report titled: “Institutional Treatment of Domestic Violence Cases: July 2023- June 2024”. Domestic violence and gender-based violence in Kosovo continue to cause concern for society and institutions. This report, drawn up within the framework of the project “JUST REACT – Increasing Citizen Reaction for an Improved Access to Justice in Kosovo,” funded by the European Union, presents a comprehensive analysis on the institutional treatment of cases of domestic violence and gender-based violence for the period July 2023 – June 2024. The report aims to assess the institutional approach to this phenomenon through structured chapters covering the reporting process, prosecution and trial of cases of violence, also proposing detailed recommendations for improving access to justice and protection of victims.

The data for this report was obtained from three main sources: official data from key institutions involved in handling cases of domestic violence, respectively Kosovo Police (KP), State Prosecutor (SP) and Kosovo Judicial Council (KJC); data collected through monitoring performed by the JUST REACT team; as well as data from judgments published by KJC. Data were collected and analyzed for the period from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024.

Data from the Just React Annual Report show for an increase of domestic violence in Kosovo, compared to previous periods. “”Out of 2,856 reported cases, 79 percent of the victims are women, while only 21 percent are men. Among the 571 arrested individuals, 92.55 percent are men, and 7.5 percent are women. As for the suspected individuals, 88 percent are men, and 12 percent are women. In addition to domestic violence, gender-based violence is persisting in Kosovo, due to the existing patriarchal system”, stated Ms. Bajrami, Author of the report.

Mr. Scaramuzzo from the European Union Office in Kosovo said that the complex nature of domestic violence requires an inclusive approach. “Efforts are noted, however, there have been cases where public institutions have unfortunately failed in protecting victims, leading to serious consequences. Ensuring the security and dignity of victims should be a priority, with strong coordination and true accountability at the core of our collective response,” he said.

On the other hand, Prosecutor Bytyqi stated that handling cases of domestic violence is a priority for the Office of the State Prosecutor, while also emphasizing that recently, there has been an increase in the number of people reporting violence. “Violence has always been present in our society, it is and will be, but the mechanisms we are part of must maximize efforts to provide adequate help and protection to the victims,” said Prosecutor Bytyqi.

Panelists:

Mr. Nicola Scaramuzzo – Team Leader of the Rule of Law, EU Office in Kosovo;

Ms. Vjosa Bytyqi – Prosecutor, Basic Prosecution in Kosovo;

Ms. Luljeta Limani – Director of Department for Prevention and Investigation of Domestic Violence, Kosovo Police

This activity was organized under the framework of the project titled: “JUST REACT – Boosting Civic Reaction towards an Improved Access to Justice in Kosovo”, funded by the European Union and implemented by the Group for Legal and Political Studies (GLPS) in cooperation with the Community Development Fund (CDF).

Venue: Hotel Swiss Diamond, Square Mother Theresa, 10000 Prishtina, Republic of Kosovo.