Kosovo has seen a worrying rise in domestic violence, with women bearing the brunt of this increase, a recent report by the Group for Legal and Political Studies reveals. The report calls for more effective measures to protect victims and address a persistent pattern of gender-based violence.
Between July 2023 and June 2024, 2,856 cases of domestic violence were reported across Kosovo. Women made up 79% of victims, while only 21% were men. The arrests tell a similar story, with men representing over 92% of those detained.
Reneta Bajrami from the Group for Legal and Political Studies explained that these numbers underscore a deeper societal issue. “This isn’t just about domestic violence; it reflects a wider problem of gender-based violence within a patriarchal system,” she said, urging authorities to act.
The highest numbers of reported cases came from Peja and Pristina, where local authorities are struggling to keep up. Prosecutors have had some success in pursuing domestic violence cases, but the courts face significant delays, with a case resolution rate of just 74.7%.
Nicola Scaramuzzo from the European Union Office in Kosovo highlighted the complexity of tackling domestic violence. “There have been some positive steps, but unfortunately, there are still times when public institutions fail to protect victims, with serious consequences. Ensuring victims’ safety and dignity must remain a priority,” he said, calling for better coordination between agencies.
The report also notes that psychological violence is the most common type reported, followed by physical abuse. Officials say that while reporting has increased, domestic violence is still an ongoing challenge in Kosovo.
A stark reminder of the human cost is evident in the statistics: since 2010, 58 women have lost their lives to domestic violence in Kosovo, including three this year alone.
