Apostolova: Gender-based violence remains widespread in Kosovo

The EU chief in Kosovo, Natalia Apostolova, has participated in the debate over domestic violence that was held today in northern Mitrovica, as part of a series of discussions on gender equality across Kosovo.

It has suggested that gender equality and progress in this direction is the priority of the EU.

“Dhuna on gender basis remains widespread in Kosovo and in the Western Balkans. The difference is that the adequate answer remains very limited in Kosovo, as compared to the actual number of incidents, domestic violence remains underreported in Kosovo. There are several reasons such as unequivocal security in the order to protect the victims, civil protection, lack of co-ordination and training in law enforcement and justice sector, failure to carry out the assessment of cases of violence, rejection of many cases, low punishment rates or low sentences, then blaming the victims, and lack of funds for the protection and reintegration of the victims, she said.

According to her, public institutions have the responsibility to protect their citizens in general and victims of gender violence in particular.

Boyd McKechny, senior political adviser to the EU office north, said it is important that the victims have courage, but for them to succeed should trust the institutions of justice.

“People must trust the system, have faith in the system that protects them, a good police and judiciary. They must have courage, people who may be abused should have the courage to go on, and they will have that courage if they believe in the system that represents them “, McKechny said.

Meanwhile, Adriana Hodzic, the outgoing minister of Administration and Local Power, said during her speech it is a moral obligation for women to be equally represented in all spheres and segments of society.

It made known the construction of “safe house” in northern Kosovo for victims of domestic violence, where each victim will be adequately treated.

It is a moral obligation for women to be equally represented in all spheres and segments of society. If we want sound society, then this is the right way that everyone should support, both central and local power, nongovernmental sector, and every individual living on the assigned territory... we are now in a situation where all four mayors from the north of Kosovo are determined to help install the “institution. The secure” house of regional character, which will be organised in such a way that each victim is adequately treated”, she said.

Other participants who stressed the institutional and social need in general for the support of domestic violence victims have discussed during the debate.