Security Begins at Home

Security Begins at Home
Research to Inform the First National Strategy and Action Plan against Domestic Violence in Kosovo
Prishtina, Kosovo 2008
SecurityBeginsatHome: ResearchtoInformtheFirstNationalStrategy andActionPlanagainstDomesticViolenceinKosovo Prishtina,Kosovo2008
ByNicoleFarnsworthandArianaQosajMustafafortheKosovaWomen'sNetwork WithassistancefromAdelinaBerisha,MimozaGashi,DafinaBeqiri,andNicoleSlezakandinclosecooperation withtheAgencyforGenderEquality(AGE)inthePrimeMinistersOfficeoftheGovernmentofKosovo,and theWomensSafetyandSecurityInitiativeaspartoftheUnitedNationsDevelopmentProgramme(UNDP). AgencyforGenderEquality. TheviewspresentedinthisreportdonotnecessarilycorrespondwiththeviewsoftheGovernmentofKosovo, UNDP,ortheGovernmentofFinland. AllrightsreservedbyAGE. ThisresearchwassupportedbytheAgencyforGenderEqualityinthePrimeMinistersOfficeofthe GovernmentofKosovoandtheMinistryofForeignAffairsofFinland(executedbytheWomensSafetyand SecurityInitiativeaspartoftheUnitedNationsDevelopmentProgrammeUNDP). Design,layout,andprintingbyDesignHouse. PublishedbytheGovernmentofKosovo. Translatedby:OfficeofthePrimeMinister Editedby:CITSTranslation
Acknowledgements
First,theresearchteamattheKosovaWomen'sNetwork(KWN)wouldliketothank thecitizensofKosovowhoofferedtheirtimeandthoughtsaboutdomesticviolence.Many expressedhopethattheirinputwouldspurthegovernmenttoactionandfeednewideas intoplansfordecreasingdomesticviolencewhilstimprovingthegenerallivingconditionsof Kosovarcitizens. Duringtheresearchprocess,wehadthepleasureofcollaboratingwiththeWomen's Safety and Security Initiative (WSSI) team, involving Shqipe Krasniqi at the Agency for Gender Equality in the Prime Minister's Office, as well as Nazlie Bala and Nita Luci at UNDP/WSSI. They together with Igballe Rogova from KWN consistently offered encouragement andsupport,forwhichweareverygrateful.WealsothanktheteamatUNFPAforfinancing KWN's earlier exploratory research on genderbased violence and its impact on women's reproductivehealth,whichestablishedafirmfoundationfromwhichtolaunchthisdeeper inquiry. RepresentativesoftheKosovoPoliceService,DepartmentofSocialWelfare,Ministry of Justice, Victims' Advocacy and Assistance Division, District Bureau for Juridical Help, Centres for Social Work, and Secretariat of the Juridical System in the Kosovo Judicial Council provided insight regarding the issues they have faced in their efforts to protect victims and prosecute perpetrators of domestic violence. We thank them for the recommendations they offered for improving institutional response to domestic violence. Wearealsoappreciativeoftheexperiencessharedandrecommendationsprovidedbythe Association of Pensioners, Blind Association of Women, Centre for Protection of Women and Children, Centre for Sheltering Women and Children, Council for Defence of Human Rights and Freedoms, Handikos, Hope and Homes for Children, Elysium, Liria, Medica Kosova, Centre for Social Emancipation, Kosova Rehabilitation Centre for Torture Victims, Norma,OnetoOne,PartnersKosova,SafeHouseGjakova,UNICEF,VitaJeta,andWomen's WellnessCentre. Elmaze Gashi reviewed the draft report and provided valuable comments. Milva Ekonomiacametoourrescuewithprofessionaladviceregardingsampling,andEnverGashi contributed to the statistical analysis of survey findings. Nait Vrenezi provided ongoing support during the surveying process and Aliriza Arnliu offered guidance to the research teamregardingpsychologicalaspectsofconductinginterviews. Mendurim Rashiti and Bardhi Bakija together with the KWN research team spent manydaysandnightsenteringdataintoSPSSsothatwecouldmeetourdeadline.Finally, thededicationandhardworkofsurveyorsmadetheKosovowideresearchpossible:Besa Salihu, Dardan Kryeziu, Sabrie Ahmeti, Genc Bajraktari, Lulkuqe Gashi, Vllazim Bimbashi, VezireUkaj,LabinotBala,AferditDemaj,BeharHalili,BesartaMurtezaj,BesartRrecaj,Ardita Bahtiri,KujtimMorina,ShpresaPetershoni,SenatHaliti,BesartaTrolli,VetonShaqiri,Teuta Halimi, Valdet Plakolli, Bardha Gashi, Naim Telaku, Argjina Misini, Besart Gashi, Anita Sadikaj, Betim Selmanaj, Eliza Thana, Yll Jashari, Drenusha Thaqi, Fidan Kalaja, Tringa Krasniqi,RamizDukaj,andotherswhowishednottobementioned.
AcronymsandAbbreviations
AGE CDHRF CEDAW CPWC CSW DSW EU GBV HHC IOM ISF KFOR KPS KPSDVU KWN MEF MEST MLSW MOH MOJ NATO NGO OGA OSCE PISG PVPT SOK SRSG SSO UN UNCHS UNDP UNFPA UNHCR UNICEF UNIFEM UNMIK USAID VAAD WHO WSSI WWC AgencyforGenderEquality CouncilforDefenceofHumanRightsandFreedoms ConventionontheEliminationofAllFormsofDiscriminationagainstWomen CentrefortheProtectionofWomenandChildren CentreforSocialWork DepartmentofSocialWelfare EuropeanUnion Genderbasedviolence HopeandHomesforChildren InternationalOrganisationforMigrations InterimSecureFacility KosovoForce(NATO) KosovoPoliceService KosovoPoliceServiceDomesticViolenceUnit KosovoWomensNetwork MinistryofEconomyandFinance MinistryforEducation,Sport,andTechnology MinistryofLabourandSocialWelfare MinistryofHealth MinistryofJustice NorthAtlanticTreatyOrganisation Nongovernmentalorganisation OfficeofGenderAffairsofUNMIK OrganisationforSecurityandCooperationinEurope(referstoKosovomission) ProvisionalInstitutionsofInterimSelfGovernmentinKosovo CentretoProtectVictimsandPreventTrafficking StatisticalOfficeofKosovo SpecialRepresentativetotheSecretaryGeneral SocialServiceOfficer UnitedNations UnitedNationsCentreforHumanSettlements UnitedNationsDevelopmentProgramme UnitedNationsPopulationFund UnitedNationsHighCommissionforRefugees UnitedNationsChildrensFund UnitedNationsDevelopmentFundforWomen UnitedNationsMissioninKosovo UnitedStatesAgencyforInternationalDevelopment VictimsAdvocacyandAssistanceDivision WorldHealthOrganisation WomensSafetyandSecurityInitiative WomensWellnessCentre
CONTENTS
ExecutiveSummary Introduction Chapter1.CitizensPerceptionsaboutDomesticViolence:WhatisAbusiveandinWhat Circumstances? 1. CitizensPerceptionsastoWhatConstitutesDomesticViolence 2. ViolencebetweenPartners 3. ViolenceagainstChildren 4. PerceivedFormsofViolenceagainstOtherGroups 5. CitizensAttitudestowardsAbusersandAbusiveRelationships Chapter2.ThePervasivenessandMainFormsofDomesticViolenceinKosovo 1. OverviewofDomesticViolenceinKosovo 2. Isolation 3. PsychologicalViolence 4. PhysicalViolence 5. SexualViolence 6. EconomicViolence 7. WhoaretheVictims?DemographicGroupsMostAffectedbyDomesticViolence 8. WhoaretheAbusers?PersonsMostLikelytoPerpetrateDomesticViolence Chapter3.TheConsequencesofDomesticViolence 1. ConsequencesonPersonsWhoSufferfromDomesticViolence 2. ConsequencesonChildrenandtheFamily 3. ConsequencesonSociety,includingGovernmentalInstitutions Chapter4.CitizensResponse:TheMethodsCitizensUseandProposeforEndingViolenceor ReducingItsCircumstances 1. HowCitizensDealwithViolenceandCitizensKnowledgeaboutAssistanceAvailable 2. Reducing Violence through Prevention: Citizen Perceptions of Factors that Contribute to ViolenceandHowtoAddressThem Chapter5.SocialConstraintsthatDepriveParticularDemographicGroupsinthePrivateand PublicSpheres,PotentiallyIncreasingDomesticViolence 1. TraditionalPowerStructureswithintheFamily 2. GenderbasedDiscriminationagainstChildren,accordingtoTradition 3. LackofAccesstoEducation 4. DiscriminatoryGenderRolesandEmploymentPractices 5. DiscriminationinPropertyOwnershipandInheritance
1 3
13 13 16 18 20 20
23 23 29 30 31 33 35 35 47
51 52 54 56
59 59 62
67 67 69 69 72 74
Chapter6.LegalandInstitutionalGapsinAddressingDomesticViolence 1. LegalandInstitutionalGapsforProtectingVictims 2. LegalandInstitutionalGapsforProsecutingPerpetrators 3. LegalandInstitutionalGapsforPreventingDomesticViolence 4. EnhancingOverallGovernmentResponsetoDomesticViolence Recommendations WorksCited Appendix1.SummaryofPriorResearchonDomesticViolenceinKosovo Appendix2.SurveyInstrument
75 77 96 99 104 110 114 120 122
SecurityBeginsatHome
EXECUTIVESUMMARY
Understanding the extent, demographic groups most affected, legal and institutional response,andperceptionsregardingdomesticviolenceinKosovoareessentialforplanning governmental and nongovernmental response for preventing future violence, protecting victims, and prosecuting perpetrators. Governmental budgeting and plans regarding domesticviolencecanbemoreeffectiveiftheydrawfromresearch.Inordertoestablisha firm foundation on which to base the Kosovo National Action Plan against Domestic Violence,theKosovaWomensNetwork(KWN)conductedresearchondomesticviolencein Kosovo. KWN employed a mixed method methodology that included collecting statistics fromrelevantinstitutions;reviewingrelevantlaw,legislation,andsocialservicesavailable; surveying1,256womenandmenofallagesandethnicgroupsacrossKosovo;andsurveying representativesofKosovarinstitutions,relevantorganizations,andexperts. Kosovo has a number of sophisticated laws to prosecute and protect victims of domesticviolence.Nevertheless,criminallawdoesnotdefinedomesticviolenceasacrimeper se. Whether this could provide higher and more effective prosecution of domestic violence perpetratorsrequiresfurtherdebate.Atpresent,problemswiththeeffectiveimplementation oftheDomesticViolenceRegulationhavebeenobserved,suchasdelaysbycourtsinissuing protection orders. Few reported cases of violence are ever prosecuted in courts, and no recordsofappropriateenforcementsofsanctionsreflectingtheseverityofthecrimeexist.Few public prosecutions have been recorded so far related to violations of protection orders or crimes of light bodily injuries committed in a domestic relationship. When the public prosecutor is willing to take up cases for further investigation, efforts are hindered by incompletefilessubmittedbypolicesuchasmedicalrecordsthatcouldindicatebodilyinjuries. TheKosovoLawonFamilyandSocialServiceshasnotbeenimplementedfully.The institution responsible for its implementation, the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (MLSW),hashadlimitedcapacityinhumanandfinancialresourcestoexercisefullythelaw aswellofferassistanceandprotectiontovictimsofdomesticviolence.Therefore,MLSWis usingnongovernmentalorganizations(NGOs)servicesforshelterprovisiontovictims,but limitedfundingisprovidedtotheseNGOs.MLSWcoversonly50percentoftheexpensesof sheltersnotincludingstafforoperationalcosts.ExistinglegalaidlegislationinKosovodoes not foresee explicitly victims of domestic violence as a category eligible for free legal counsel and representation. Victim Advocates are foreseen to safeguard rights of victims butcurrentlylackfullcapacitytodoso.Neitherhealthcentresnorhealthprofessionalshave recordedofficiallycasesofdomesticviolenceorreportedthecrime. Better national and municipal coordination mechanisms are needed to improve multidisciplinary response in assisting and protecting victims of domestic violence. Currently there is no effective information or support service for victims of domestic violence.TheVAADhelplinefunctionssporadically,andpoliceresponsetoemergencycalls isoftenslow.Establishingaconfidential,functioning,freeofcharge24hourhelplinewould beideal.Theinstitutionaldatacollectionandanalysisofdomesticviolencereportshasbeen irregular,adhoc,anduncoordinated.Thelackofdataanalysisandmonitoringcanaffectthe readiness of authorities to handle domestic violence cases and allocation of resources for addressingdomesticviolence. The survey of 1,256 women and men illustrated that domestic violence is still generallyconsideredshamefulinKosovo,whichmayexplainwhyitisunderreported.Nearly
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40percentofrespondentsagreedthatViolenceisanormalpartofanyrelationship,and society in general accepts that violence happens sometimes. Almost 20 percent of respondentsagreed,SometimesitisOKforahusbandtohithiswife,andmorethanone third believed, It is natural that physical violence happens sometimes when a couple argues. Astonishingly, twothirds of the respondents agreed that Sexual intercourse can never be violence if it happens between two adults who are married. Most respondents attributedviolentbehaviourtounemployment(62.4percent)oralcohol(43percent),and believed violence was normal or acceptable in such circumstances. Awarenessraising efforts should dispel such myths, targeting in particular people with lower levels of education,theunemployed,andwomen. Insufficientdataexiststoconcludewhetherviolencehasincreasedordecreasedin Kosovo.Approximately43percentofallrespondentshadexperienceddomesticviolencein their lifetime; 46.4 percent of all (100 percent of) women and 39.6 percent of all men. Compared to other demographic groups, women, people living in rural areas, the poor, unemployed, persons receiving social assistance and people with less than a secondary school education were more likely to have experienced violence. According to KPS, 91.1 percentoftheperpetratorsofdomesticviolenceweremen,mostlyhusbands,andonly8.9 percentwerewomen,thoughotherfamilymembersperpetratedviolenceaswell. Extensive evidence exists that domestic violence negatively impacts individuals by contributing to a plethora of health problems, psychological issues, inability to care for children,andevensuicideordeath.However,14percentofrespondentscouldnotthinkof a single place where someone suffering violence could get help, and few knew about the services offered by institutions, illustrating the need for more community outreach to informcitizensregardingtheservicesavailable.Atpresent,peopleexperiencingviolenceare more likely to seek help from family members or friends than institutions. More than ten percent said a regulation against domestic violence does not exist in Kosovo and 34.8 percentdidnotknowwhetheraregulationexisted.Outreacheffortsshouldtargetpeople whocouldpotentiallyassistvictimsofviolencewithoutinvolvinginstitutions. Domestic violence has significant costs for society, including costs related to healthcare,policing,prosecution,trials,educationallevelsandthusemploymentlevels,days lostatwork(affectingGDP),productivity,andsocialassistancetovictims.Thegovernment could contribute to reducing violence by providing basic living conditions (e.g., water, electricity); creating new jobs; ensuring more effective and efficient functioning of the justicesystem;implementingexistinglaw;ensuringbetteraccesstoeducationespeciallyin ruralareasandforwomen;leadingawarenessraisingcampaignstargetingpersonsmostat risk, perpetrators, persons who could assist victims, and children; bringing cultural educational events to rural areas; and making counselling more available financially and geographicallytovictims,perpetrators,andtheirfamilies.
INTRODUCTION
Domestic violence, also known as family violence, can involve psychological, physical, sexual,economic,and/orotherformsofviolencethatoccurwithinahousehold.Perhapsa more widely known albeit limiting definition is intimate partner violence or domestic violencebetweenpartners.InKosovo,thelawdefinesdomesticmorebroadly,accounting forthevariousstylesoflivingandpeopleresidingtogetherinasinglehousehold.1Domestic violencecanoccurbetweenanuncleandniece,afatherinlawanddaughterinlaw,ortwo unmarriedintimatepartnersresidingtogether,notonlybetweenahusbandandwife.Forms of domestic violence can vary by country, culture, context, and interfamilial relationships, makingitimpossibletoidentifyanexhaustivelistofcrimesrelatedtodomesticviolence.Even so,actsofdomesticviolencemustbecondemnedashumanrightsviolations. BeyondensuringtheoverallhealthandwellbeingofKosovarcitizensanddecreasing government expenditures related to domestic violence,2 the Government of Kosovo has a vestedinterestindecreasingdomesticviolenceaspartofitsongoingeffortstoachievethe MillenniumDevelopmentGoals(MDGs)andprogressintheEuropeanUnion(EU)accession process.MDGsarerelevanttofuturegrowthinKosovobecauseorganizationssuchasthe World Bank and International Monetary Fund support this initiative.3 The MDG goals address various human development issues, including: poverty, health, education, gender equality and sustainable environment.4 If Kosovo shows international organizations that it has progressed in its implementation of MDGs, obtaining funding will be significantly less complicated. Therefore, adopting, tailoring, and monitoring the Millennium Goals are a sure way not only to enhance human development in Kosovo, but also to ensure that Kosovospopulationisnotleftbehindinthisglobaleffort.5 OneMDGthatdeservessignificantattentionfromtheKosovargovernmentisgender equalityandtheempowermentofwomen.AstheGovernmentofKosovoisworkingtoward thelongtermgoalofEUaccession,itmustaddresstheissueofdomesticviolenceagainst women.Domesticviolencenegativelyaffectswomenshealthinnumerousways,including physical injury, gynaecological disorders, mental health problems, and adverse pregnancy outcomes.6 Therefore, unless prevention and awareness of violence against women is integrated into all MDGs, sustainable development will continue to sufferand the ambitious Goals agreed to by the international community will remain unattainable, accordingtotheWorldHealthOrganization.7 Violence against women has been identified as one of the most common forms of domesticviolence,andwomeninKosovocomprisethevastmajorityofdomesticviolence
UNMIKRegulation2003/12onProtectionagainstDomesticViolence. Formoreinformationregardingthefinancialcostsofdomesticviolenceanditsimpactoncitizenshealth,see chapterthree,sectionfour. 3 MDGsinvolveeightgoalsandeighteentargetsthat189countriesagreedtoimplementovera25yearperiod (UnitedNationsMillenniumDevelopmentGoalsBaselineReportforKosovo,Wherewillwebein2015?, March2004,3).SpecialthankstoNicoleSlezakwhoassistedwithresearchinganddraftingthissection. 4 Ibid.,5. 5 Ibid.,4. 6 M.Ellsberg,ViolenceagainstwomenandtheMillenniumDevelopmentGoals:Facilitatingwomensaccessto support,InternationalJournalofGynecologyandObstetrics(2006):326.Seealsochapterthree. 7 WorldHealthOrganizationDepartmentofGender,WomenandHealth,Addressingviolenceagainstwomen andachievingtheMillenniumDevelopmentGoals(Geneva,Switzerland:WorldHealthOrganization,2005), 28.
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victims.8Priorresearchinternationallyhassuggestedthatoneinthreewomenexperience violence in their lifetimes.9 According to the Council of Europe, domestic violence against womencausesdeathanddisabilityamongwomenages16to44athigherratesthanwar, cancer,orcaraccidents.10InPortugal,forexample,everymonthmorethanfivewomendie from causes directly or indirectly related to domestic violence.11 Despite its well documented consequences, violence against women remains the least visible form of violencediscussedandaddressedbyvariousgovernments.12 The common disregard for domestic violence perhaps is related to traditional definitionsofsecurity,whichhavefocusedmoreoninternationalsecuritythansecurityat theintrastate,family,orespeciallyindividuallevel.13Illegalactsthatwouldbeprosecuted whenperpetratedagainstastranger,neighbour,orinapublicplaceareoftenoverlooked when committed in the private realm, especially when they target women.14 Violating vulnerable groups such as women, children, persons with disabilities and the elderly creates andsustainsbroaderstructuralandinstitutionalinequalitiesthatnegativelyimpactdemocratic governance.Violenceshouldthusbeacknowledgedasapublicissueinordertoaddressitfrom a social, political and economic perspective. Considering the negative impact of domestic violenceonsocietyandinstitutions,15thegovernmentalsohasavestedinterestinensuring thatdomesticviolencereceivesgreaterattention,includinggreaterfocuswithhumanand financialresources. Developing a governmental response to domestic violence, including strategies and programsforpreventingviolence,protectingvictims,andprosecutingperpetrators,requiresa clearunderstandingoftherootcausesofviolenceinordertoaddressthem;knowledgeofthe demographic and geographic groups most at risk of domestic violence; and input from key institutions and organizations dealing with domestic violence and its consequences. Unfortunately, the Government of Kosovo has had little access to such information. Like elsewhere in the world, domestic violence is difficult to measure as the crime remains underreported and unrecorded. Institutions often fail to consistently collect and analyze dataaboutdomesticviolence.16 Considering the dearth of adequate and current information related to domestic violenceinKosovo,inApril2008theKosovaWomensNetworks(KWN)wascontractedby
OSCEMissioninKosovoandMinistryofLabourandSocialWelfare(MLSW),RespondingtoIncidentsof DomesticViolence:ManualforSocialServicesOfficers(2006),21.SeealsotheKWNreportwrittenbyNicole Farnsworth,ExploratoryResearchontheExtentofGenderBasedViolenceinKosovaandItsImpacton WomensReproductiveHealth(Prishtina,Kosovo:KWN,2008),whichcitesKosovoPoliceService(KPS) statisticsthatwomenarevictimsofdomesticviolenceinmorethan90percentofcases. 9 LoriHeise,etal.,EndingViolenceagainstWomen,PopulationReports,SeriesL:IssuesinWorldHealth,11 (1999Dec),143. 10 Forexample,seeParliamentaryAssemblyoftheCouncilofEurope,Recommendation1582(2002)I(1). 11 SeeGovernmentofPortugal,IINationalPlanAgainstDomesticViolence20032006,PortugueseGovernment ResolutionapprovedbytheCouncilofMinisterson13May2003. 12 OntheprevalenceofviolenceagainstwomeninEuropeanditsconsequencesseeCouncilofEurope Recommendation1450(2000)onViolenceAgainstWomeninEurope. 13 J.AnnTickner,YouJustDontUnderstand:TroubledEngagementsbetweenFeministsandIRTheorists, InternationalStudiesQuarterly,Vol.41,No.4.(Dec.1997),613. 14 LoriHeiseetal.,AGlobalOverviewofGenderBasedViolence,InternationalJournalofGynaecologyand Obstetrics.78Suppl1:S514(2002):5. 15 Seechapterthree.UNICEFalsonotedthatfocusshouldnotonlybeplacedontrafficking,butondomestic violenceaswell(KWNsurvey,June2008). 16 CouncilofEurope,SummaryActionPlanProposalonViolenceAgainstWomen(1998). 4
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the Womens Safety and Security Initiative (WSSI), a collaborative project between the Agency for Gender Equality in the Prime Ministers Office and the United Nations DevelopmentProgramme(UNDP),toconductresearchthatwouldprovideacomprehensive understanding of domestic violence in Kosovo. The main purpose of the research was to establish a firm foundation on which to base the Kosovo National Action Plan against DomesticViolence.Thestudyfocusedonthepsychological,physical,sexual,andeconomic actsofabusethataredirectedtowardswomen/children/elderlypeople,handicaporother membersofthefamilybyintimatepartnersorfamilymembers,asperWSSIrequirements. The ambitious research project aimed to address the following objectives requested by WSSI: 1. Identifytherangeofformsofviolencecommonlyoccurringinthefamily. 2. Gaininsightsintocitizensperceptionsaboutwhatbehavioursareabusiveandinwhat circumstances. 3. Explorewhatmethodscitizensusetoendviolenceorreduceitscircumstances. 4. Document the consequences of family violence on women, the family, children, and societyasawhole. 5. Identifysocietysattitudestowardsabusersandabusiverelationships. 6. Determine the social constraints that deprive particular demographic and geographic groupsintheprivateorpublicsphere. 7. Identifylegalandinstitutionalgapsfordomesticviolenceoutface. Theresearchprojectwasthefirstextensiveinquiryintothefactorscontributingto,extent of,andrepercussionsofdomesticviolenceinKosovo.Assuch,theresultingreportprovides invaluableinformationforpolicymakers,nongovernmentalorganizationsdealingwiththis issue, researchers, donors, and others interested in creating targeted campaigns or programstopreventfutureviolence,betterprotectvictims,andprosecuteperpetrators. Thisintroductorychapterbeginsbydefiningkeytermsusedthroughoutthereport. It then provides a briefsummary of the research method and detailsresearch limitations. Thechapterconcludeswithadescriptionofthestructureofthereport.
1. Definitions
Domesticviolenceorfamilyviolence A debate related to domestic violence has been whether the term domestic violence includesallformsofviolencethatoccurinadomesticenvironment(i.e.abuseofwomen, children,elderlyandpeoplewithdisabilities)orislimitedtoviolencethattakesplacewithin sexual/marital relationships.17 The term family violence is preferred to respond to the broader extent of violence within families but often lacks a narrower focus on particular groupsathigherriskofviolencelikewomenandchildren.Thereforethisreportemploysthe definitionofdomesticviolenceusedinKosovosapplicablelaw.18 TheKosovoCriminalCodeandDomesticViolenceRegulation(UNMIKRegulationNo. 2003/12) offer similar definitions of a domestic relationship. Domestic relationship is defined broadly in order to accommodate common forms of living in Kosovo by explicitly
DanildaandLeanderforOperationKvinnofrid,TheWorstScarsareontheInside:Methodsfor counteractingviolenceagainstwomen,(June1999). 18 Seechaptersixforafulldefinition. 5
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listingwhichpersonsareconsideredmembersofahousehold.Basedonthisdefinition,one can determine which family members in a household are victims of domestic violence. A domesticrelationshipisdefinedasarelationshipbetweentwopersons: (a) Who are engaged or married to each other or are cohabiting with each other withoutmarriage; (b) Who share a primary household in common and who are related by blood, marriage, or adoption or are in a guardian relationship, including parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren, siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, orcousins;or (c) Whoaretheparentsofacommonchild.19 Thus,forexample,actsofdomesticviolencecouldoccurbetweenanuncleandnieceor between a girlfriend and boyfriend who reside in the same household. In such cases, the perpetratorshouldbecriminallyprosecutedinaccordancewithapplicablelaw. The Kosovo Criminal Code does not offer a separate definition of domestic violenceperse,butdefinesvariouscriminaloffencesthatmaybecommittedinthecontext ofdomesticrelationships,suchas:lightbodilyharm;grievousbodilyharm;coercion;threat; unlawfuldeprivationofliberty;unlawfulabductionofachild;mistreatingorabandoninga child; violating family obligations like leaving a family member incapable of taking care of himself/herself in a situation of distress;20 theft; aggravated theft; misappropriation or takinginpossessionmovableproperty;damagingmovableproperty;fraud;damagescaused to the persons right to property; establishing slavery, slaverylike conditions and forced labour;rape(includingmaritalrape);sexualassault;degradingsexualintegrity;andsexual abuse of persons with mental or emotional disorders or disabilities in a domestic relationship. Notably, since January 2003 offences against sexual integrity like rape are applicabletoallpersons,includingcaseswhentheperpetratorandthevictimaremarried.21 According to criminal law, all the aforementioned offences should be considered acts of domesticviolence.22 InadditiontotheCriminalCode,theDomesticViolenceRegulationoffersadefinition oftheactsoromissionscommittedinadomesticrelationshipasabasisfortheissuanceof protection orders in a civil court procedure.23 According to the Domestic Violence Regulation, the following acts or omissions are considered a basis for issuing a protection orderifconductedinadomesticrelationship:
SeeArticle107(24)ofUNMIKRegulation2003/25ontheProvisionalCriminalCodeofKosovoandUNMIK Regulation2003/12,Article1.1. 20 Article212(1)states,Whoeverseriouslyviolateshisorherlegalfamilyobligationsleavingafamilymember whoisincapableoftakingcareofhimselforherselfinasituationofdistress. 21 SeeUNMIKRegulation2003/01AmendingtheApplicableLawonCriminalOffencesInvolvingSexual Violence,Section1.1(1)andparagraph4ofthepreambleoftheRegulation. 22 SeeOSCEandMLSW,RespondingtoIncidentsofDomesticViolence:ManualforSocialServiceOfficers, (Prishtina:2006),24. 23 TheDomesticViolenceRegulationrequiresthattheproceduresforeseenundertheLawonContested Procedureareusedwhenpetitioningorissuingprotectionorders(seeArticles6.3,7.3,8.4,8.6,9.4,10.4,10.6, 13.4,13.6and18.2).Howeversomeactslikelightbodilyinjury,violationofprotectionorders,nonconsensual sexualactsorsexualexploitation,kidnapping,anddamagingthepropertyofanotherpersonareenlistedas criminaloffencesrelatedtodomesticviolencewhenconductedinadomesticrelationshipandrequireex officioprosecutionaccordingtocriminalprocedure. 6
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(a) Inflictingbodilyinjury; (b) Nonconsensualsexualactsorsexualexploitation; (c) Causingtheotherpersontofearforhisorherphysical,emotionaloreconomic wellbeing; (d) Kidnapping; (e) Causingpropertydamage; (f) Unlawfullylimitingthefreedomofmovementoftheotherperson; (g) Forciblyenteringthepropertyoftheotherperson; (h) Forciblyremovingtheotherpersonfromacommonresidence; (i) Prohibitingtheotherpersonfromenteringorleavingacommonresidence;or (a) Engaginginapatternofconductwiththeintenttodegradetheotherperson.24 The Law on Peace and Public Order can also be applied to domestic disputes. It includes minor offences for persons who violate the public peace by: physically attacking and ill treating someone else; participating in fights; being insulting; endangering the personal safety of another by threatening physical attack; and breaking the peace by quarrelling,screaming,orprovokingfightinginapublicplace.Iftheseactsarecarriedout whileundertheinfluenceofdrugsoralcohol,thecourtmayimposeaprotectivemeasureof medicaltreatmentfordrugoralcoholaddiction.25 Domesticviolenceasaformofgenderbasedviolence Genderbasedviolenceisaformofviolencetargetingapersonbecauseofherorhisgender. TheUNConventiononEliminationofAllFormsofDiscriminationAgainstWomeninterprets genderbased violence as violence that is directed against a woman because she is a woman or that affects women disproportionately [...] including acts that inflict physical, mentalorsexualharmorsuffering,threatsofsuchacts,coercionandotherdeprivationsof liberty.26Domesticviolenceisalsoconsideredaformofgenderbasedviolence.Thisreport recognizesthatviolenceinhomesdirectedatwomenandgirlsbecauseoftheirgenderisa form of genderbased violence. Violence directed against boys and men because of their gender is also a form of genderbased violence.27 Since research in Kosovo indicates that domestic violence most often targets women because of their gender,28 this report often referstodomesticviolenceagainstwomen.Asapplicable,thereportalsoreferstodomestic violence that specifically targets children, the elderly, people with disabilities, or other particulardemographicandgeographicgroups.
UNMIKRegulation2003/12,Art.1.2. Art.21,Sec.1. 26 CEDAWGeneralRecommendation19onViolenceagainstWomen. 27 Seethesectiononviolenceagainstchildreninchaptertwo,whichevidencesgenderbasedviolenceagainst boys. 28 Chaptertwodiscussestheprevalenceofviolencetargetingwomenandotherdemographicgroups.See chapterfive,whichdiscusseshowgenderbaseddiscriminationagainstwomeninKosovomayimpacttheir socialposition,includingtheirlevelofeducationalattainmentandemploymentopportunities.Discriminatory practicescanpotentiallyplacewomeninprecariouspositionsinwhichdomesticviolenceismorelikelyto occur.
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Victimsorsurvivors The term victim tends to involve images of individuals, especially women, as objects rather than subjects. Portraying women as powerless objects of violence can homogenize women, deny their individual life experiences, and ignore their human agency. Ignoring womensagencyorpotentialforagencycanbedisempowering,asopposedtoempowering. Thusdefiningandtreatingwomenasvictimscanleadtotheirdependencyoninstitutionsor violent husbands rather than supporting their independence. An alternative term used by someactivistsissurvivorsofdomesticviolence,whichemphasizesinsteadwomensand othersagencyandstrengthinovercomingviolentsituations.However,thetermsurvivors may dissuade governments and donors from financially supporting programs for persons whohavesufferedfromviolence;iftheysurvived(e.g.,arenotvictims),thenwhydothey needfinancialaid,financialsupportersmightask.Whilethetermsurvivorsispreferable when considering longterm institutional and organizational responses and reintegration programs,thisreportusesthetermvictimtorespondtocurrentdefinitionsusedinthe applicablelawandavailablereports. KosovaorKosovo ThemajorityofthepopulationresidingintheRepublicofKosovoreferstothecountryas Kosova. However, this report uses the term Kosovo in reference to current official reports and legislation in the English language. Names of organizations and report titles usingKosovahavenotbeenchanged.
2. Methodology
The KWN research team employed a mixed methods methodology,29 summarized in this section.First,KWNconductedaKosovowidesurveyof1,256personsofallagesandethnic groups from 28 April to 7 May 2008.30 The survey instrument contained primarily close endedquestions.However,thevastmajorityofquestionswereposedasopenendedina conversation style, with the surveyor circling the most applicable answer(s).31 An other category with an option to write in alternative answers was also provided. The research teamconductedapilotsurveythreedaysbeforetheactualsurvey.Thesurveyinstrument wasadjusted,andthepilotsurveyswerediscarded. KWN hired 35 surveyors with at least two years completed university education in psychology.Theyattendedamandatoryonedaytrainingtoensurethattheywerefamiliar withtheresearchmandate,surveyinstrument,samplingmethod,controlprocedures,and logistics.32Thesurveyorsalsoparticipatedinadiscussionledbyapsychologyprofessoron how to handle various situations that could arise during surveying, such as respondents showingsignsoftraumaorfamilymembersinterfering.Theteamwasinstructedtousea sensitive method of surveying that protected respondents security and emotional well being.
ScottA.MurrayandLesleyJ.C.Grahamhavearguedthatmixedmethodmethodologiescanbeusefulfor conductinginquiriesintounderresearchedtopics.SeePracticebasedhealthneedsassessment:useoffour methodsinasmallneighbourhoodBMJ310(1995),14431448. 30 TheStatisticalOfficeofKosovo(SOK)hasestimatedKosovospopulationat2.1million(2,126,708) inhabitants.SeeKosovoinFigures2007(Prishtina:SOK,April2008),10.Adultscomprisemorethan64percent ofthepopulation(age18andover)(SOK,WomenandMeninKosovo,Prishtina:2007,3).Themarginoferror forthissampleis1.257percent. 31 Thesurveyinstrumentislocatedinappendixtwo. 32 ProfessorNaitVreneziandProfessorAlirizaArnliuledthetraining. 8
29
KWNabidedbyhighethicalstandardsforresearchwithhumansubjects.Ingeneral, surveys with male respondents were carried out by male researchers and surveys with femalerespondentswithfemaleresearchers.Surveyorsusedastandardoralconsentform to inform respondents about the research and how information from surveys would be used. KWN sought to maximize positive benefits for respondents (e.g., the opportunity to speak about personal experiences, receive information about available services, provide inputforthegovernmentsNationalActionPlanagainstDomesticViolence).33Surveyswere administered informally with a conversation style that aimed to maximise respondents comfort. Confidentiality was ensured as potential identifiers such as address, city, and telephonenumberwerekeptonaformseparatefromthesurveys.Thecontactinformation formwasusedonlyforqualitycontrolandthendiscarded. A rigorous sampling method was used to ensure that the survey sample was representative,including: Geographic representation: The number of surveys carried out in each of 29 municipalitieswasdeterminedaccordingtotheestimatedpercentageofthepopulation living in each municipality in 2006.34 Altogether, the survey involved 208 enumeration areas.35 Ruralandurbanrepresentation:Inthissample,55.6percentofrespondentswerefrom ruralareasand44.4percentfromurbanareas.36 Allagesover18:Arespondentfromeachhouseholdwasselectedrandomlyaccordingto the nearest birthday technique.37 Nearly onefourth of the respondents (24.7 percent) wereages18to25.Peopleages26to35comprised21.0percentofthesample,36to45 were21.3percent,46to55were17.4percent,56to65were9.2percent,andpersons ages66andoverwere6.4percent.38
Forfurtherinformation,pleaseseetheattachedStatementandConsentForm(appendixfive)thatall researchersreadandreceivedoralapprovalonbeforecommencingthediscussion. 34 CalculatedaccordingtoSOK,StatisticalAtlas2008(Prishtina:SOK,April2008).KWNdidnotsurveypersons livinginNovoBrdoduetothepoliticalsituationtherepriortotheelectionsinSerbia,whichmadeitunsafefor researchers.Further,anyfindingsfromNovoBrdomunicipalitywouldhaveprovenstatisticallyinsignificantin thelargersample,asonlyanestimated0.19percentofthepopulationresidesthere.Thepercentageof surveysconductedineachmunicipalitywasasfollows:Leposaviq1percent,Zvecan1.4percent,ZubinPotok 0.8percent,Mitrovica4.4percent,Podujevo5.3percent,Vushtrri3.9percent,Skenderaj3.1percent,Istog2.2 percent,Peja5.3percent,Kline3.1percent,Gllogoc2.3percent,Obiliq2.1percent,Prishtina14.1percent, Kamenica2.5percent,FusheKosova1.5percent,Gjilan4.5percent,Lipjan3.4percent,Malisheva2.6percent, Decan3.1percent,Gjakova4.9percent,Rahovec2.1percent,Suhareka2.9percent,Shtime1.1percent, Feriazj5.4percent,Viti2.5percent,Kacanik1.5percent,Prizren9.7percent,Dragash2.5percent,and Shterpca0.6percent. 35 Surveyswereconductedatleastfivehousesapartineachenumerationarea. 36 TheLivingStandardMeasurementSurveyin2000estimatedtheruralpopulationat60percent.Forthis research,ruralwasdefinedashavingapopulationunder10,000people,andurbanwasdefinedashavinga populationof10,000ormore.Morespecifically,45percentofrespondentswerefromvillages(definedas1 5,000people),12percentfromtowns(5,00010,000people),and43percentfromcities(10,000ormore people).PopulationestimatesfromTrimakskartografija,Kosova:HartRrugore,(Pristina,Kosovo). 37 Accordingtothistechnique,thepersonwiththebirthdatenearestthedayonwhichthesurveyisconducted issurveyed. 38 Accordingtolaw,achildisdefinedasapersonunder18yearsofage(ProvisionalCriminalCodeofKosovo, UNMIK/Reg/2003/25,Art.107,(21)).Theresearchteampurposelydidnotsurveychildrenduetotheethical sensitivitiesinvolvedandnecessarytrainingrequiredforresearchers.However,informationrelatedto 9
33
Sex: Males and females were selected randomly according to the nearest birthday technique. Female respondents comprised 50.6 percent of the sample and males 49.4 percent.39 Ethnicity:Thesamplewascomprisedof82.3percentAlbanians,7.8 percentSerbs,3.7 percent Roma, Ashkali, or Egyptians, 1.9 percent Bosnians, 1.8 percent Gorans, 2.4 percent Turks, and one Other (0.1 percent). In order to make conclusions related to ethnicgroups,KWNpurposefullyoversampledminoritycitizens.40
Quality control was carried out by two KWN representatives who checked completed surveys and controlled surveys by telephoning a randomly selected 10 percent of respondents. Six persons not involved in surveying entered quantitative information into SPSS13.0fordataanalysis.TheKWNLeadResearcherconductedtheinitialanalysisanda statistician analyzed correlation. Three researchers not involved in surveying entered qualitative information such as anecdotes, anonymous quotations, and recommendations forthegovernmentintoaMicrosoftWorddatabasewheretheywerecoded. Second,KWNinvolvedalegalgenderexperttoreviewrelevantlaw,legislation,and social services available in relation to domestic violence. She identified legal and institutional gaps and made recommendations for amending legislation and institutional response to better prevent violence, protect victims, and prosecute perpetrators. She draftedsectionsofthisreport. Third,theKWNresearchteaminterviewedorsentsurveysto37representativesof institutions, organizations, and experts dealing with issues related to domestic violence from the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (MLSW), Department for Social Welfare (DSW),CentresforSocialWork(CSWs),KosovoPoliceService(KPS)DomesticViolenceUnit, Ministry of Justice, Victims Advocacy and Assistance Division (VAAD), District Bureau for JuridicalHelp,SecretariatoftheJuridicalSystemintheKosovoJudicialCouncil,Association ofPensioners,BlindAssociationofWomen,CentreforProtectionofWomenandChildren, Centre for Sheltering Women and Children, Centre for Social Emancipation, Council for DefenceofHumanRightsandFreedoms,Handikos,HopeandHomesforChildren,Elysium, Liria,MedicaKosova,KosovaRehabilitationCentreforTortureVictims,Norma,OnetoOne, PartnersKosova,SafeHouseGjakova,UNICEF,VitaJeta,andtheWomensWellnessCentre. AllresearchfindingsweretranslatedbyKWNresearchteammembersfromAlbanian orSerbiantoEnglish.TheLeadResearchercompiledthefinalreportinEnglishbasedonthe aforementioneddatasources.ThereportwasthentranslatedintoAlbanianandSerbianby theAgencyforGenderEquality(AGE).Alltheaforementionedinstitutionsandorganizations hadtheopportunitytocheckthefinalreportforerrorsandsuggestrevisions.Finally,AGE andKWNorganizedinPrishtinaahalfdayfocusgroupwithexpertsandrepresentativesof these organizations and institutions to discuss research findings and clarify report recommendations.
domesticviolenceagainstchildrencanbedrawnfromtheinterviewsconductedwithadults,aslatersections ofthisreportillustrate. 39 AccordingtoSOK,51.2percentofthepopulationinKosovoismenand48.8percentwomen(Womenand MeninKosovo,7). 40 Inrelationtothisresearch,oversamplemeansthatKWNsurveyedmorepeoplefromminorityethnic groupsthanthepercentageofthepopulationthattheycomprise.Forexample,althoughSerbscomprisean estimated5.3percentofKosovospopulation,theywere7.8percentofthesample.AccordingtoSOK,in2006 Albanianscomprisedanestimated92percentofthepopulation,Serbs5.3percent,Roma1.1percent,0.4 percentTurkish,and1.2percentother(DemographicChangesoftheKosovoPopulation,19482006). 10
3. ResearchLimitations First, the research team found the short timeframe challenging. More time would have permitted researchers to further review existing literature on domestic violence internationally and better formulate research questions and recommendations. Representatives of institutions and organizations questioned for this research also commentedthatmoretimewouldhaveenabledthemtopreparemoredetailedanswers.In the future, organizations conducting research with such a wide scope and multiple objectivesshouldbegrantedmoretime(e.g.,minimumsixmonthstoayear). Second,institutionsandorganizationsstilldonotmaintainthoroughstatisticsabout thedemographicgroupsmostaffectedbydomesticviolenceinKosovo.41Insufficientdata makesdeterminingthegroupsmostatriskoridentifyingareastotargetfundsdifficult,as this report later discusses. The absence of current census data makes all quantitative research, like the Kosovowide survey on domestic violence, difficult to plan and analyze accurately.42Evenso,thefindingspresentedhereareindicativeforthediverserespondents surveyedandgeographicareasstudied. Third,datawastranslatedfromAlbanianandSerbianintoEnglishandthenbackinto Albanian and Serbian. KWN used participant checks with representatives of institutions and examined closely the final publication to decrease error from translation.43 Still, the research team acknowledges that any translation is problematic as particular words are difficulttofindexactmeaningsforinotherlanguages.Theteamapologizesinadvancefor anymistakesresultingfromtranslation. 4.StructureoftheReport Thisreportisdividedintosixchapterswithsectionswithinchapters.Thefirstchapterdeals withcitizensperceptionsaboutdomesticviolence,askingwhatbehaviourscitizensconsider abusive and in what circumstances. The sections discuss citizens perceptions about what constitutes1)domesticviolence,2)violencebetweenpartners,3)violenceagainstchildren, and 4) violence against other groups (e.g., the elderly, persons with special physical and psychological needs, and sexual minorities). Fifth, it presents citizens attitudes towards abusersandabusiverelationships. ThesecondchapterexaminesthevariousformsofdomesticviolenceinKosovoand their pervasiveness, including isolation, psychological violence, physical violence, sexual violence,andeconomicviolence.DrawingfromexistingstatisticsandtheKWNKosovowide survey,itthendiscussesthedemographicandgeographicgroupsmostaffectedbydomestic violence,aswellasperpetratorsofdomesticviolence. The third chapter explores the consequences of domestic violence on 1) persons sufferingfromviolence,2)theirfamilies,3)children,and4)society,includinggovernmental institutions.
Pleaseseechaptersixformoreinformationaboutlegalandinstitutionalgapsrelatedtodatacollection, research,andmonitoringofdomesticviolenceinKosovo. 42 SinceKosovoAlbaniansboycottedthecensuscarriedoutbytheGovernmentofSerbiain1991,therehasnot beenacensussince1981.Thepopulationhaslikelyshiftedandchangedenormouslysincethattime.SOK beganpreparationsforacensuswithtechnicalandfinancialsupportfromtheEuropeanUnionthreeyears ago,thoughadateforthecensushasyettobedetermined. 43 Participantcheckscontributetovalidity,asrespondentsreviewtheirquotations,thefindings,and recommendationsforaccuracy.FormoreinformationaboutparticipantchecksseeM.B.Miles&A.M. Huberman,Qualitativedataanalysis:Anexpandedsourcebook(ThousandOaks,CA:Sage,1994). 11
41
The fourth chapterexamines citizens response to domestic violence,including the methodstheyusetoendviolenceorreduceitscircumstances.Thechapterfirstexamines specific ways individual citizens deal with domestic violence. Second, it presents citizens knowledge about assistance programs available for persons experiencing violence. The chapterconcludeswithcitizensrecommendationsastohowthegovernmentcouldprevent futuredomesticviolenceandimproveassistanceforpeopleexperiencingviolence. The fifth chapter considers social constraints that may deprive particular demographic groups in the public and private spheres, potentially increasing domestic violence.Theofteninterrelatedsocialconstraintsidentifiedthroughthisresearchinclude 1)lackofaccesstoeducation;2)earlymarriageandhouseholdconditions;3)discriminatory genderrolesandemploymentpractices;4)andpowerstructureswithinthefamily. The sixth and final chapter examines legal and institutional gaps in addressing domestic violence and presents recommendations for improving institutional response. More specifically, thechapter looks at legal and institutional gaps related to 1) protecting victimsofdomesticviolence;2)prosecutingperpetrators;3)preventingdomesticviolence; and4)enhancingoverallgovernmentresponsetodomesticviolence.Thereportconcludes with specific recommendations for improving both legal and institutional response to domestic violence. The recommendations are divided according to the particular agencies responsibleforaddressingeachrecommendation.
12
CHAPTER1
CITIZENSPERCEPTIONSABOUTDOMESTICVIOLENCE: WHATISABUSIVEANDINWHATCIRCUMSTANCES?
Understanding how citizens define domestic violence, what behaviours they consider violent,andwhethertheythinkviolenceismoreorlesslikelytooccurortobeacceptable in particular circumstances is essential information for planning programs toward preventing domestic violence. Further, citizens definitions can help explain why violence mayormaynotbereportedtoinstitutions,aswellastraditionsorbeliefsthatmayprevent people from reporting violence. Knowing which citizens from which demographic and geographic groups possess particular beliefs about violence can help institutions and organizations design targeted responses to misconceptions through awarenessraising campaigns. ThischapterdrawsfromtheKWNKosovowidesurveyof1,256citizensinorderto discusswhatbehaviourscitizensbelieveconstitutedomesticviolence.Second,itexamines citizen perceptions regarding violence between partners, including in which situations violence may or may not be considered acceptable. Third, it looks at citizens perceptions regarding violence against children and what they believe constitutes violence against children. Fourth, it examines citizens perceptions regarding violence against other particular groups. Fifth and finally, the chapter discusses citizens attitudes regarding abusersandabusiverelationships. Overallthisbriefchapterprovidesafoundationforthe nextchapter,whichexaminestheoverallextentofdomesticviolenceinKosovo. 1. CitizensPerceptionsastoWhatConstitutesDomesticViolence Graph 1.1 summarizes whether respondents considered various interactions that could happen in a family violence. More than 90 percent of the respondents considered the following interactions domestic violence: threatening to hurt another family member; touching a family member in a sexual way without that persons consent; destroying furnitureorbreakingdishesonpurpose;andanadultslapping,punching,orkickinganother familymemberwhentheyarearguing.Morethan85percentofrespondentssaidapartner makinghis/herpartnerdosexualactsthathe/shedoesnotwanttodoandpunishingachild byspankinghimorherwithabeltorstickwereformsofviolence.Approximately78percent ofrespondentssaidcallingafamilymembernames,swearingatafamilymember,andnot allowing a family member to work outside the home was a form of violence. Nearly one fourth of the respondents did not consider being unfaithful or cheating on a partner violence. Illustrating the common perception that infidelity is not violence, a woman commentedthatsherequestedadivorcenotbecauseofdomesticviolencebutbecauseshe foundoutthatherhusbandwascheatingonher.1 Morethan70percentofrespondentssaidthatviolenceinvolvedafamilymember who has money refusing to give money to a family member who needs it and making decisionsforanotheradultfamilymemberwithoutaskinghimorher.Morethan30percent
1
Albanianwoman,divorced,age2635fromKamenicamunicipality. 13
ofrespondentswouldnotconsiderthefollowinginteractionsformsofviolence:keepinga familymemberfromseeinghisorherfriendsorrelatives;criticizingafamilymemberallthe time; a partner being overly jealous; or punishing a child by spanking him or her. Nor did 48.2 percent consider controlling where family members can or cannot go a form of violence.Whiletheopinionsofwomenandmendidnotdifferdrastically,morewomenthan mentendedtoconsidermostoftheseinteractionsviolence.
14
Graph1.1Respondents'PerceptionsofWhichInteractionscouldbeConsideredFamily Violence
Idon'tknow. No,thisisnotviolence. Yes,thisisviolence.
Anadultslapping,punching,orkickinganotherfamilymemberwhen theyarearguing
7
58 1168
Destroyingfurnitureorbreakingdishesonpurpose
16
69 1150
Touchingafamilymemberinasexualwaywithoutthatpersons consent
24
62 1145
Threateningtohurtanotherfamilymember
20
86 1132
Punishingachildbyspankinghimorherwithabeltorstick
18
114 1110
Apartnermakinghis/herpartnerdosexualactsthathe/shedoesnot wanttodo
37
134 1058
Apartnerbeingunfaithful orcheatingonhis/herpartner
68
196 973
Notallowinganotherfamilymembertoworkoutsidethehome
54
209 970
Callingafamilymembernamesorswearingatafamilymember
49
232 963
Makingdecisionsforanotheradultfamilymemberwithoutasking him/her Afamilymemberwhohasmoneyrefusingtogivemoneytoafamily memberwhoneedsit
63
254 916
71
272 888
Keepingafamilymemberfromseeinghis/herfriendsorrelatives
44
350 838
Criticizingafamilymemberallthetime
63
354 820
Apartnerbeingoverlyjealous
100
313 819
Punishingachildbyspankinghimorher
40
443 757
Controllingwhereafamilymembercanorcannotgo
57
598 579 656 447
Helpingapersonwithadisabilitydecidewhotomarry
69
Sendingachild tobuybreadforthefamily
30
1008 201
15
2.ViolencebetweenPartners Whilemost respondents(74.9percent)disagreedwiththestatementSometimesitisOK forahusbandtohithiswife,nearly20percentoftherespondentsagreedorsomewhat agreed (see Graph 1.2). Female, rural, Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian respondents were slightly more likely to agree. A woman commented, From the first day I got married, I argued with my husband but its ok that women are undervalued and beaten by their husbandsbecauseitisnotsomethingunordinary.2Anotherwomansaid,Youasawoman shouldunderstandyourhusband.Sometimeshusbandshavebigproblems,andasawoman youshouldnotmakehimmorenervous[angry],buttrytounderstandhim.3Perceptions could be changing as respondents age 45 and over tended to agree while younger respondentsandpeoplewithhigherlevelsofeducationtendedtodisagree.
Graph1.2SometimesitisOKforahusbandtohithiswife
WomenRespondents MenRespondents WomenandMenRespondents 940
460
480
127 78 49 63 56
119 31 31 62
Agree
SomewhatAgree
SomewhatDisagree
Disagree
MorethanonethirdoftherespondentsbelievedItisnaturalthatphysicalviolence happenssometimeswhenacoupleargues.Slightlymorewomenandlowincomepersons agreedwiththisstatement,whileurbanrespondentsandpersonswithauniversitydegree tendedtodisagree.4Forexample,awomancommented,IfIdontlistentomyhusbandorI have bad behaviour, its normal to beat me.5 Many respondents believed that family violence is natural or bound to happen sometimes if it occurs after someone drinks alcohol(43percent)6orbecauseahusbandisunemployed(62.4percent).Amandeclared,
Albanianwomanage5665fromGjakovamunicipality. Albanianwomanage3645fromVushtrrimunicipality. 4 Nearly37percentofallwomenrespondentsagreedcomparedto34percentofallmenrespondents.Inthis correlation,lowincomemeantlessthan800eurostotalhouseholdincomefromallsourcesinthreemonths. 5 Albanianwomanage3645fromPejamunicipality. 6 Peoplewithlowerlevelsofincometendedtoagree.Unlessotherwisestated,lowincomemeansthe respondentshouseholdincomefromallsourcestotalledlessthan600eurosinthreemonths.
3 2
16
Women always are responsible for violence because nowadays women have extreme freedom, and have extreme requests, so when men cant fill their requests because of unemployment they should beat their wife.7 Rural people, with less than a university educationand/orlowincomeleveltendedtohavethisperceptionmorethanothers.People from Obiliq, Klina and Malisheva municipalities also tended agree that violence happens whenhusbandsareunemployed,illustratingtheneedforawarenessraisingintheseareas regardingpeacefulconflictresolutiontechniques.
Graph1.3Sexualintercoursecanneverbeviolenceifithappensbetweentwo adultswhoaremarried
WomenRespondents MenRespondents WomenandMenRespondents
766
401
365 307 186 121 39 Agree 20 59 17 15 32 Disagree 46 71 25
SomewhatAgree
SomewhatDisagree
Don'tknow
Sexual violence tends not to be recognized as domestic violence if it occurs between cohabitating partners. As Graph 1.3 illustrates, twothirds of the respondents agreed with thestatementSexualintercoursecanneverbeviolenceifithappensbetweentwoadults who are married, and an additional 5.7 percent of respondents did not know.8 KWN interviewswithinstitutionshavealsoshownthatsomecivilservantsdonotconsidersexual violence a form of violence when it occurs in a domestic relationship, even though this is defined clearly in the Criminal Code. For example, a victim advocate told KWN, Here in Kosovo,thisisasensitiveissuebecauseyoucannotsaythat[forcingthepartnertohavesex eventhoughshedoesntwantto]isviolence.Becausewhenithappensbetweenamarried couple, its not violence any more At the moment that a sexual act begins, that is not violence, but making love.9 Clearly education campaigns about marital rape and sexual violencebetweenpartnersareneeded.10
MiddleagedAlbanianmanfromMitrovicamunicipality.HetoldtheresearcherthathemarriedaSerbian womanandlaterbeatheruntilthepolicearrestedhim. 8 PeopleinPrishtina,Peja,andPrizrentendedtodisagreewiththisstatementperhapsduetoinformation campaignsintheseareas. 9 KWNinterviewforExploratoryResearch,2007. 10 Chaptersixelaboratesonthispoint. 17
7
3.ViolenceagainstChildren Almost all respondents agreed that Children need to be disciplined, but they disagreed regardingwhichmethodstouse.Nearlyhalftherespondents,womenmoresothanmen, agreedthatsometimesachildneedstobespanked(seeGraph1.4).11Respondentswho were unemployed,12 living in rural areas, had more than four people in their household, and/or were under age 45 tended to agree.13 Illustrating perceptions contributing to genderbased discrimination, 41 percent of women and men respondents believed Boys should have stricter discipline than girls because it makes them strong (Graph 1.5) while 47.2percentsaidGirlsneedmoredisciplinethanboyssothattheywillbemorallycorrect
Graph1.4SometimesaChildNeedstoBeSpanked
536
286
295 237
299
171 115
164 131 55 69 124
Agree
SomewhatAgree
SomewhatDisagree
Disagree
(Graph1.6).Aslightlyhigherpercentageofwomenrespondentsbelievedgirlsneededmore discipline.14Peoplewhowereunemployed,hadlessthanauniversityeducation,werefrom PrizrenorPeja,and/orAlbanian,tendedtoagreewiththefirststatement.Rural,poor,and lesseducatedpeopletendedtoagreewiththesecondstatement.15
Morethanhalfthewomenrespondents(53.4percent)agreedwhile40.1percentofmenagreed. Allrespondentswithtotalhouseholdincomeoflessthan700Eurosinthreemonthsdisagreed. 13 Respondentswhoweremale,Albanian,Serb,hadmorethanasecondaryschooleducationand/orlow incometendedtoagreethatspankingwasaformofviolence.Urban,Albanian,Serb,and/orrespondents underage35tendedtoconsiderspankingwithabeltorstickviolence.Bosnianswerelesslikelytoconsiderit violence. 14 Amongallwomenrespondents,49.2percentagreedcomparedto45.1percentofallmen. 15 Lessthanasecondaryschooleducation.

12
11
18
Graph1.5BoysShouldHaveStricterDisciplineThanGirlsBecauseItMakesThemStrong
611
348 293
318
175 173 81 79
160 67 31 62 16
36
46
Agree
SomewhatAgree
SomewhatDisagree
Disagree
Don'tknow
Graph1.6Girlsneedmoredisciplinethanboyssothattheywillbemorallycorrect
WomenRespondents MenRespondents WomenandMenRespondents 555 493
257
272 283 236
98 55 43 61 30 31 17 Disagree 22 39
Agree
SomewhatAgree
SomewhatDisagree
Don'tknow
4.PerceivedFormsofViolenceagainstOtherGroups According to tradition, young women and new wives assume most cooking and cleaning responsibilities in the household. Their unequal role in the family could be considered a formofdiscriminationandinsomecircumstancesviolence.Slightlymorethantwothirdsof the respondents agreed that New wives [nuse in Albanian] are supposed to have more responsibilitiesforcleaningandcookingthanotherfamilymembers.Peoplelivinginrural areas(particularlyinGllogovc,Skenderaj,andFusheKosovamunicipalities),withlessthana
19
university degree, and/or low income tended to agree.16 Interestingly, women tended to agree more with this statement than men, indicating that women may be enforcing culturally discriminatory practices against other women.17 People under age 45 tended to disagree,whichindicatesthatperceptionsmaybechangingwiththeyoungergeneration. WithrelativelyfewaffordableoravailablehomesforelderlypersonsinKosovoand accordingtothetraditionalcompositionofthefamilyunit,theelderlytendtoresidewith theirchildrenorotherrelatives.Nearly40percentofthesurveyrespondentsconsideredold peopleaburdenonthefamily(36.8percentofwomencomparedto39.9percentofmen). Sadly,olderrespondentstendedtoagreewiththisstatementmorethanyoungerpeople.18 Furtherresearchisneededregardingcitizensperceptionsabouttheelderly. Although 87.2 percent of respondents disagreed with the statementPersons with handicaps should stay inside their house because they bring shame to the family, 9.1 percentagreed.19Womenweremorelikelytoagreethanmen.20Also,peopleinruralareas and/orlowincomeweremorelikelytoagree.Theirresponsescouldindicatethatpersons withdisabilitiesarebeingisolatedwithintheirfamilies,anissuethenextchapterdiscusses further.Morethanhalftherespondentsdidnotconsiderhelpingapersonwithadisability decide who to marry, a form of violence. This perception is concerning as activists have reportedcasesofpersonswithphysicalandmentaldisabilitiesbeingforcedtomarryagainst theirwill,asthenextchapterillustrates. 5.CitizensAttitudestowardsAbusersandAbusiverelationships Mostrespondents,82.1percent,agreed,Ifneighboursknewthatonefamilyhadviolence happening inside, they would consider it shameful (see Graph 1.7). Low income and/or Turkish respondents tended to agree more than others.21 Most respondents (93 percent) also agreed that Any man who hits his wife should be ashamed of himself. These responsesindicatefirstlythatdomesticviolenceisgenerallyconsideredshamefulormorally wrongandsecondlythatpeoplemaythusbedisinclinedtoreportviolenceoccurringwithin theirfamilybecausetheydonotwanttofeelashamedinthecompanyofneighbours. Importantly,38.9percentofrespondentsagreedthatViolenceisanormalpartof any relationship, and society in general accepts that violence happens sometimes (see Graph1.8).Fortyonepercentofmenagreedwiththisstatementcomparedto37percentof women. People in rural areas and/or with very low income tended to agree.22 If citizens considerviolencenormal,thentheymaybedisinclinedtoreportit,whichcouldexplainin partwhyviolenceisunderreported.
Thecorrelationwithlowincomewas800eurosorlesstotalhouseholdincomeforthreemonths. Nearly70percentofallwomenagreedwiththisstatementcomparedto64percentofallmen. 18 Peoplewithlessthanaprimaryschooleducationalsotendedtoagree.PeoplefromPrishtinaandPeja tendedtodisagree. 19 Threepercentofrespondentsdidnotknow. 20 Nearly11percentofwomenagreedcomparedto7.4percentofmen. 21 PeopleinPejaandMitrovicatendedtodisagreewiththisstatement. 22 Thecorrelationwaswithrespondentswhosetotalhouseholdincomewaslessthan400Eurosinthree months.

17
16
20
Graph1.7Ifneighborsknewthatonefamilyhadviolencehappeninginside,they wouldconsideritshameful
WomenRespondents 940 MenRespondents WomenandMenRespondents
503 437
52
88 36 25 5 30
138 85 53 33 19 52
Agree
SomewhatAgree
SomewhatDisagree
Disagree
Don'tknow
Graph1.8Violenceisanormalpartofanyrelationship,andsocietyingeneral acceptsthatviolencehappenssometimes
WomenRespondents MenRespondents WomenandMenRespondents 626
311
322
304
172 139 95 80
175 88 50 38 2 2 Refuse 4 25 21 46
Agree
SomewhatAgree SomewhatDisagree
Disagree
Don'tknow
Yet, 91.6 percent of respondents believed that Perpetrators of family violence are guilty andshouldbepunishedbylaw.Peoplefromruralareasand/orunemployedwereslightly more likely to disagree with this statement, while people from Peja and Prishtina in particular tended to agree. Perhaps this could be attributed in part to the numerous awarenessraisingcampaignsledbyNGOsinthesetwocities.AsGraph1.9illustrates,sixty percentofrespondentsbelieved,Ifthereisviolenceinafamily,thewomanshouldgotoa shelter or her family, while the man should stay at home until the issue is resolved. The
21
second statement seems to contradict the widely held belief perpetrators should be punished. At the same time, it illustrates common assumptions that property should be owned and controlled by men, a discriminatory practice in Kosovo that violates existing domesticlaw.23
Graph1.9Ifthereisviolenceinafamily,thewomanshouldgotoashelterorher family,whilethemanshouldstayathometilltheissueisresolved
597
359 294 303 209 152 69 83 20 Agree SomewhatAgree 19 39 41 150 100 59
SomewhatDisagree
Disagree
Don'tknow
Inconclusion,citizensstillgenerallyconsiderdomesticviolenceshameful,whichmay meanthatpeoplearedisinclinedtoreportit.Whilemostpeoplebelieveabusersshouldbe punished, many at the same time think domestic violence is a normal part of any relationship, accepted by society, and that alcoholism and unemployment in particular justify violence. People especially lacked knowledge regarding marital rape and sexual violence between partners. Awarenessraising efforts should dispel such myths, targeting peopleinruralareas,withlowerlevelsofeducation,theunemployed,andthepoor.
23
Theissueofpropertyownershipisdiscussedfurtherinchapterfive.
22
CHAPTER2
THEPERVASIVENESSANDMAINFORMSOF DOMESTICVIOLENCEINKOSOVO
Since individual citizens tend to define domestic violence differently, as the last chapter illustrated,KWN based its definition of what acts constitute domesticviolence on existing lawinKosovo,includingtheCriminalCode,LawonPeaceandPublicOrder,andDomestic Violence Regulation.1 Using these definitions as a guide, this chapter discusses the pervasivenessofeachformofviolencebasedonexistingstatistics,priorresearch,andthe KWNKosovowidesurveyofcitizens.Thechapterfirstprovidesanoverviewoftheextentof domesticviolenceinKosovo.Itthenexaminesthepervasivenessofmainformsofdomestic violenceinKosovo,includingisolation(sectiontwo),psychologicalviolence(sectionthree), physical violence (section four), sexual violence (section five), and economic violence (sectionsix).Thechapterthenexploreswhichdemographicgroupshavebeenmostaffected by domestic violence (section seven) and which persons are most likely to perpetrate domestic violence (section eight). Understanding the pervasiveness of various forms of violence, demographic groups most affected by violence, and most likely perpetrators of violencecanbeusefulinplanningpreventionprogramsaswellasmoretargetedprotection forvictimsandprosecutionforperpetrators. 1. OverviewofDomesticViolenceinKosovo Table2.1showsthenumberofdomesticviolencecasesreportedtoinstitutionseachyear. KPS recorded the most cases: 7,660 cases since 2002.2 Other institutions registered fewer cases because not all victims received assistance from VAAD and DSW. Medical facilities have yet to record the number of patients who show symptoms of domestic violence.3 However, during interviews in 2007 with KWN, 13 gynaecologists said they had seen approximately 819 to 1,372 cases of domestic violence during their practice. Only five gynaecologistshadneverseenawomanwhoexperienceddomesticviolence.4
Table2.1NumberofDomesticViolenceCasesReportedbyYearAccordingtoVariousSources5 Source 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Total KPS 1273 1251 1318 1370 1371 1077 7660 6 VAAD 314 414 592 703 645 (Jun)252 2920 MLSW/DSW7 223 380 438 170 (Jun)92 1303
Seetheintroductionandchaptersixformoreinformationabouttheselaws. Datafromyears20022004fromKPS,Paraqitjatabeloreepunsngjashtmujorinepare/2007(Sheetof sixmonthswork/2007),giventoKWNinfall2007.Years20052007fromKPS,KWNsurvey,June2008. 3 KWN,ExploratoryResearch,17. 4 Ibid. 5 Sinceinstitutionsoftenassistthesamepeople,thetotalsfromallinstitutionsshouldnotbeaddedtogether. 6 Sincetheunitwasformedin2002,statisticsareonlyavailablefrom2003(VAAD,KWNsurvey,June2008). 7 MLSW/DSW,KWNsurvey,June2008.

2
23
Takentogether,thetableillustratesthatallinstitutionsshowedasteadyincreasein the number of reports of domestic violence until 2007, when the number of reports fell. However,statisticscollectedbyinstitutionsshouldnotbeinterpretedasillustrativeofthe overall extent of domestic violence in Kosovo. Since not all cases are reported to institutions, an increase or decrease in the number of reports does not necessarily mean that domestic violence has increased or decreased in society. For example, an increase in reporting could perhaps be attributed to awarenessraising campaigns that encouraged people to break free from violent situations, the promulgation of appropriate domestic violence legislation, or the establishment of assistance and protection mechanisms for victims that made them feel more secure about reporting violence. This would not mean more instances of domestic violence, but rather that more people were reporting it. As a KPS officer commented, Domestic violence also occurred in the past, but it was treated more like a private issue than a criminal act.8 She seemed to believe the situation was changingandthatmorepeoplewerecomingforwardtoreportviolence. However, representatives of NGOs and the Kosovo Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare and Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) believed that domesticviolencecontinuestobeunderreportedtoinstitutions.9Anactivistattributedthe decline in the number of reports of domestic violencein2007tothelackofinstitutionalresponse Quiteoftentheydont topriorcomplaints;thefactthatsomanyreportsof considerthattheyarevictims 10 violencewerestillunresolvedbythejusticesystem ofdomesticviolenceOrjust deterredpeoplefromreportingviolence,astheydid becauseofshametheydont not believe it would do any good.11 As the last declareviolence. chapter illustrated, many citizens still consider domestic violence shameful, and the issue is still Serbwoman,age4655, seldom discussed in the public sphere.12 Prior Strpce research has suggested that underreporting may be due to a culture that considers domestic violence a private matter;13 informal ways of resolving disputes;14 reluctance among institutions personneltointerveneinprivatedisagreements;andwomensattemptstoavoidpersonal orfamilyshame.15Womenmayalsohesitatetoreportviolencebecausetheyriskrevenge
KPS,KWNsurvey,June2008. See,OSCEandMLSWManualforSocialServicesandCPWC,AnnualReport2002(Prishtina:CPWC,2003). 10 Seechaptersixformoreinformationaboutdelaysinprocessingreportsofdomesticviolence. 11 CommentmadetoKWNrepresentative,2008. 12 RenateWeberandNicoleWatson,ed.,Women2000:AnInvestigationintotheStatusofWomen'sRightsin CentralandSouthEasternEuropeandtheNewlyIndependentStates(Vienna:InternationalHelsinki Federation,2000),515andCPWC,AnnualReport2002,19.RespondentstotheMedicaMondialeKosova surveysaiddiscussingviolenceagainstwomenwastaboo.Yet,theywantedtheissuetobediscussedmore publicly(MedicaMondialeKosovabyFluturaZajmi,StopViolence:ResultsofaSurveyUndertakeninGjakova, Gjakova:MedicaMondialeKosova,2000). 13 CPWC,AnnualReport2003,22. 14 UnitedNationsChildrensFund(UNICEF),SituationAnalysisofChildrenandWomeninKosovo(Kosovo: UNICEF,2004),70. 15 CPWC,AnnualReport2003,27andUnitedNationsDevelopmentFundforWomen(UNIFEM)byRachel Wareham,NoSafePlace:AnAssessmentonViolenceagainstWomeninKosovo(Prishtina:UNIFEM,2000),44.
9
24
fromperpetrators,losingtheirchildrentootherfamilymembers,16andbeingoustedfrom their homes. Some people are unaware that life without violence is possible, perceiving violenceasanormalpartofanyrelationship.17 ThroughitsKosovowidesurvey,KWNfoundevidencethatmanyKosovarshavenot or would not report domestic violence. Nearly 40 percent of the survey respondents who hadsufferedviolencesaidtheydidnottellanyoneaboutit.Whileapproximately40percent told another family member and 16.7 percent told a friend, only a couple told police, doctors, psychologists, or psychiatrists. Fifteen percent of all respondents said that if violence happened to them, they would never report it.18 Unreported cases are never documentedbyinstitutions,resultinginanunderreportingoftheoverallextentofviolence inKosovo. Considering underreporting to institutions, researchers have estimated the prevalenceofdomesticviolence.Table2.2comparestheresultsoftheirinquiries.
Table2.2EstimatesoftheRateofDomesticViolenceinKosovofromVariousSources Source Sample Year Rate CPWC AllclientsthroughoutKosovowhoreceivedpsychological 19952000 47.6% orphysicalassistancefromCPWC(n=6437) WWCetal. Percentofallwomenwithpartnerswhoreported 19971998 36%19 Research experiencingdomesticviolence(n=226) MedicaKosova SurveyinGjakovamunicipality(percentofsample 2000 21% experiencingviolenceintheirfamily)(n=440) 2000 28% MedicaKosova SurveyinGjakovamunicipality(percentofsamplewho knowawomanexperiencingviolenceinherfamily) (n=440) UNIFEM KosovoAlbanianrespondentssurveyedthroughoutKosovo 2000 23% (n=216) WWCetal. Percentofallwomenwithpartnerswhoreported 20012002 34% Research experiencingdomesticviolence(n=212) VoiceofWomen SurveythroughoutKosovorepresentingvariousethnic 2004 46% groups,respondentswhosaworheardargumentsor violenceintheirneighbourhood(n=1338) 2004 12% VoiceofWomen SurveythroughoutKosovorepresentingvariousethnic groups,respondentswhowitnesseddomesticviolence (n=1338) Source:KWN,ExploratoryResearchonTheExtentofGenderBasedViolenceinKosovoandIts ImpactonWomensReproductiveHealth,2008.
From 1995 to 2000, CPWC reported that slightly less than half the clients who received assistancehadsuffereddomesticviolence.20PerhapsthisisunsurprisingsinceCPWCdealt
UNICEF,SituationAnalysis,70.UNICEFreported,Insituationswhereamotherchoosestoleaveanabusive relationship,thereisastronglikelihoodthatshewillloseaccesstoherchildrenwhowillremainthe responsibilityofthefathersfamily. 17 CPWC,AnnualReport2003. 18 Morethanhalfofthe51womeninterviewedforKWNsExploratoryResearchdidnotreporttheirmost recentexperienceofviolencetopolice. 19 WomensWellnessCentre(WWC)etal.,PrevalenceofGenderbasedViolence:PreliminaryFindingsfroma FieldAssessmentinNineVillagesinthePejaRegion,Kosovo,(Peja:WWC,2006),6. 25
16
mainly with women and children experiencing violence from family members and/or Serb forces.Immediatelyafterthewar,UNIFEMsurveyed213KosovarAlbanianwomen,and23 percent had suffered domestic violence.21 Also in 2000, a Medica Mondiale Kosovo study conducted in Gjakova municipality showed that 21 percent of respondents had suffered familyviolenceand28percentknewawomanexperiencingviolence.22Followingasurvey of 500 men and women respondents in Ferizaj that same year, Afrodita womens organization found that 39 percent agreed with the statement husbands beat their wives.23 The broadest reaching survey, Voice of Women, in 2004, asked 1,338 women throughoutKosovowhetherdomesticviolenceoccurredintheirneighbourhood;46percent answeredaffirmatively,and12percenthadwitnessedamanphysicallyabusinghiswife.24 In 2008, KWN conducted the first Kosovowide research on the topic of domestic violence,surveying1,256citizens.Evenduringoneononeinterviews,citizensmaynotfeel comfortable disclosing that they have suffered domestic violence or may interpret domestic violence differently. Therefore KWN asked various questions to gather informationaboutcitizensexperiences.First,researchersaskedcitizenswhattheybelieved tobetherateofviolenceintheirvillageorcity.25AsGraph2.1illustrates,approximately20 percentoftherespondentssaiddomesticviolencedoesnothappenintheirvillageorcity.
CPWCinterviewed6,437clientsthroughoutKosovobetween1995and2000;68percentsufferedaformof violence,and70percentofthemsaidtheperpetratorswerefamilymembers(SocialMaponWomenof Kosova19952000SociologicalInterpretation,Prishtina:CPWC,2004).CPWCsuggestedthat70percentof680 womenwhosufferedviolenceduringthewarweretargetedbyfamilymembers. 21 UNIFEM,NoSafePlace,15.OSCEandMLSWassertedthatUNIFEMswasaconservativeestimate,as Kosovohadnotestablishedacultureofreporting(79). 22 Almosttenpercenthadsufferedphysicaldomesticviolence,fiverespondentssexualviolence,and117 peoplepsychologicalviolence.Medicabelievedrespondentsmaynothavedivulgedexperiencesofviolence duetoadeeplyrootedfearofspeakingopenlyaboutdomesticviolence.Findingscouldnotbegeneralized asthesamplewasnotrepresentative(StopViolence). 23 CitedinChrisCorrin,PostConflictReconstructionandGenderAnalysisinKosova,InternationalFeminist JournalofPolitics3(1)(Routledge,2000)94;andCariClark,GenderbasedViolenceResearchInitiativesin Refugee,IDP,andPostConflictSettings:LessonsLearned(WorkingPaperNo.17,ReproductiveHealthfor RefugeesConsortium,2003). 24 KWN,KWI,andUNCountryTeaminKosovo,VoiceofWomen,(Prishtina:December2004),89. 25 Thequestionwasbasedontheassumptionthatcitizenswouldmoreaccuratelyestimatetheextentof violenceintheirvillage,town,orcitythanthroughoutKosovo,especiallyinsmallercities.Still,estimatesare basedoncitizensperceptionsandshouldnotbeconsideredindicativeoftheactualextentofviolence. 26
20
Graph2.1Respondents'PerceivedRatesofDomesticViolenceinTheirVillageorCity
480
355
246
111 28 17 11
19.7%
38.5%
8.9%
2.2%
1.4%
0.9%
28.4% Don'tknow/No answer
Morethan38percentsaidviolenceoccurredinafewfamilies(oneto25percent).Nearly nine percent believed violence happened in onefourth to half of the families, and 2.2 percent said in onehalf to threefourths of families. Only a few respondents believed violence occurred in every family, which suggests that violence was most certainly occurring within Iknowthatinmyvillage their11families.Whilemenwereinclinedtoanswer therearethreetofourfamilies violence doesnt happen, more women believed sufferingfromviolence.Two thatitoccurredinafewfamilies.Respondentsfrom daysagoanoldmanbeathis Bosnian, Roma/Ashkali/Egyptian, and Goran ethnic wife.Shewasallblackwith groups tended to think violence occurred in one bruises.Inanotherfamily,the fourth to half of the families in their towns, husbandbeatshiswife.His brothersbeathertoo.About suggesting a potentially higher rate of violence in twodaysagopolicecamefor thesecommunities. thiscase. More than half of the respondents had seen familymembersyellingateachotherinthelastyear. Albanianwoman,age3645, Nearly onethird had heard Loud noises, as if two Prishtinamunicipality familymemberswerehittingorpushingeachother. Again, respondents from minority groups often estimated hearing such noises every month while Albanianstendedtoestimate511timesperyear.Thirteenpercentoftherespondentshad seen A woman who has bruises like someone was hitting her. As Graph 2.2 illustrates, approximately 30 percent of respondents knew at least one family where violence took placeduringthelastyear.Morethanonefourthknewonetofivefamilies,threepercent knew six to ten families, 0.3 percent knew 11 to 20 families, and 1.1 percent knew more than11families.Albanianstendedtoknowonetofourfamilies,whileminoritiesoftendid notanswerthequestionorsaidtheydidnotknow.
Violencedoesn't Itonlyhappensina Ithappensinone Ithappensinone Ithappensinthree Ithappensinevery family(100%) happen(0%) fewfamilies(125%) fourthtohalfofthe halftothreefourths fourthstoalmost all families(26%50%) ofthefamilies families(76%100%
27
Graph2.2NumberofFamiliesRespondentsKnewtoHaveViolenceOccurring InsideintheLASTYEAR
478 393 327
37 38.3% None 26.2% 15Families 3.0% 610Families
0.3%
0.2%
0.6%
31.5% Donotknow/ Noanswer
1120Families
2130Families
31+Families
Finally, researchers asked a series of questions to determine whether respondents themselves had ever experienced domestic violence. By describing forms of violence (outlined by law) as potential interactions in a family, KWN simplified the term domestic violence in ever day language that respondents would understand.26 When all forms of violencewereconsidered,43percenthadexperienceddomesticviolenceatsomepointin theirlives.Morethan46percentofallwomenhadsuffereddomesticviolencecomparedto 39.6 percent of all men. Compared to other demographic groups, respondents who were female,livinginruralareas,poor,27and/orhadlessthanasecondaryschooleducationwere more likely to have experienced violence. Graph 2.3 illustrates how often respondents suffered domestic violence. Of the 356 respondents who answered this question, 51.7 percent were hurt by family members every few years, 21.3 percent every year, 12.1 percentonetofivetimesperyear,2.5percenteverymonth,2.8percenteveryweek,and threepeopleeveryday.
Forexample,whilerespondentsmightsaytheyneverexperienceddomesticviolence,theymightsaythey experiencedspecificactslikeafamilyforbiddingthemfromleavingthehouseinadulthood(isolation),orbeing spankedwithabeltorstick. 27 KWNfoundacorrelationbetweenexperiencingviolenceandhavinglowincomeorreceivingsocial assistance. 28
26
G raph2 .3 H ow O fte nR e s ponde nts'Fam ilie s H urtThe m

184
76
43 21 10 2 .8 % O n e tim e 5 1 .7 % Eve r yfe w ye ar s 2 1 .3 % Eve r yye ar 1 2 .1 % 5 .9 % 9 2 .5 % Eve r ym o n th 10 2 .8 % Eve r yw e e k 3 0 .8 %
1 to 5 tim e s p e r 6 to 1 1 tim e s ye ar p e r ye ar
Eve r yd ay
In conclusion, 43 percent of survey respondents had suffered domestic violence in their lifetime with more women having experienced violence than men. Insufficient data exists to determine whether domestic violence has increased or decreased in Kosovo.28 OnlybyconductingKosovowidesurveysregularly,suchaseveryfiveyears,caninstitutions andorganizationsmonitorchangesinpeoplesperceptionsandtheprevalenceofdomestic violence. In doing so, it is essential that researchers break down abstract terms like domesticviolenceintopeopleseverydaylanguageinordertomeasuremoreaccurately theextentofviolence. 2. Isolation29 A potentially common though underreported category of domestic violence in Kosovo is isolation. The Social Service Officers handbook defines isolation as moments when perpetrators exert efforts to control the victims environment.30 Controlling an environmentcaninvolvecrimesmentionedintheCriminalCode,including:threat,unlawful deprivation of liberty, establishing slavery, slaverylike conditions, and forced labour. Unlawfully limiting the freedom of movement of the other person and prohibiting the other person from entering or leaving a common residence are also grounds for a protection order.31 Isolation can mean that a person is forbidden from leaving the house, makingtheirowndecisions,makingphonecalls,interactingwithfamilymembersorfriends, or accessing personal identification documents.32 For example, a shelter counsellor describedacaseofisolationinKosovotoKWN,[The]womanreflecteduponwhen[]her motherinlaw closes her door and takes the key, so the client must take water and a containerforurinationduringthenight.33AnotherwomantoldKWN,Iwasisolatedina room and others [family members] commanded me what I should do. More than half of
OnlytheresearchbyWWCetal.comparedtheextentofpreandpostwardomesticviolence,findinga slightdecreasefrom36to34percent.Foradiscussion,seeWWCetal.andKWNsExploratoryResearch. 29 ThissectiondrawsfromKWN,ExploratoryResearch,21. 30 OSCEandMLSW,14. 31 UNMIKRegulation2003/12,Article1.2(f),(i). 32 TheIdahoCoalitionagainstSexual&DomesticViolence,citedinKWN,ExploratoryResearch. 33 KWN,ExploratoryResearch,21. 29
28
the 31 women experiencing violence that KWN interviewed in 2007 said their partner preventedthemfromseeingfamilyorfriendsatleasteveryweek.Slightlylessthanhalfsaid theirpartnerlistenedinonormonitoredtheirphonecalls.Similarly,overonethirdofthe women WWC et al. interviewed in Peja region were forbidden from participating in activities outside the home and about half were forbidden from seeing friends or family.34 Relativelyfewrespondentstothe2008Kosovowidesurveysaidtheyexperienceda form of isolation. Mens movement was rarely if ever controlled compared to womens.35 KPShadonly14reportsofunlawfuldeprivationofliberty.36Instarkcontrast,in2003alone, CPWC reported assisting 76 cases.37 The lack of reporting may be because people do not considerisolationaformofviolenceortheydonotconsideritseriousenoughtoreportto theauthorities.38 3. PsychologicalViolence39 Psychological violence is a broader category of violence that could include isolation. Acts foreseenwithintheCriminalCodethatcouldbeconsideredtypesofpsychologicalviolence include:coercion,threat,andunlawfuldeprivationofliberty.Groundsforaprotectionorder includeengaginginapatternofconductwiththeintenttodegradetheotherpersonand causingtheotherpersontofearforhisorherphysical,emotionaloreconomicwellbeing.40 KPShadonly71reportsofpsychologicalmaltreatmentandtenreportsofpsychophysical maltreatmentfrom2006to2007.41ASocialServicesOfficerexplainedtoKWN,Werarely have psychological violence cases because psychological violence is more hidden.42 Staff members working at womens shelters asserted that more than 90 percent of clients showed symptoms of psychological violence, but few knew they had suffered from psychological violence.43 People also may not consider psychological violence a serious enough crime to report it. In 2007, KWN asked representatives of institutions to estimate thenumberofcasestheyhadencounteredintheirwork.Table2.3showsKWNsfindings basedontheseestimatesandexistingstatisticsgatheredbyinstitutions.
WWCetal.,23. While8.5percentofwomensaidtheirmovementwascontrolledinadulthood,onlyonepercentofmendid. KWNdidnotdefinecontrollingmovementinchildhood(uptoage18)asaformofviolence. 36 KPS,KWNsurvey,2008. 37 CPWC,Annual2003,23. 38 Aschapteroneillustrates,lessthanhalftherespondentsconsideredisolationaformofviolence. 39 ThissectiondrawsfromKWN,ExploratoryResearch,21. 40 UNMIKRegulation2003/12,Art.1.2. 41 KPS,KWNsurvey,2008.KPSalsorecorded220casesofarguing,174casesofdisturbance,andonecaseof generalendangermentwhichcouldperhapsbeconsideredformsofpsychologicalviolence. 42 InterviewwithKWN,2007inKWN,ExploratoryResearch. 43 KWNconversationswithshelterstaff(ExploratoryResearch)andCPWC,AnnualReport2003.Between2000 and2006,approximately90percentofMedicaKosovas1,246clientssufferedpsychologicalviolence(KWN, 21).WWCetal.foundoneinfourwomenwereverballyabusedbypartners,andoneinfivewereintimidated (34).
35 34
30
SecurityBeginsatHome Table2.3NumberofCasesofPsychologicalViolenceReportedbyVariousSources
Source 2000 KPSPsychologicalmaltreatment KPSPsychophysicalmaltreatment KPSThreat(Art.161) CPWC44 799 WWC(personsoutsidetheshelter 97 counselledforpsychologicalviolence) Otherfourshelters VictimAdvocates SSOs(fromCSWs) Gynaecologists 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 214 91 2006 47 252 45 2007 24 10 199 80 Total 71 10 665 2155 1600 1009 154298 112244 1203 2442+
560 430
436 373
360 407
77
Source:AdaptedfromKWN,ExploratoryResearch,2008.
KWNs Kosovowide survey found that 30 percent of respondents had experienced psychological violence from family members in their lifetime.45 Approximately twice as manywomenasmenhadsufferedpsychologicalviolence.Inthelastyear,14.8percentof respondentssaidpersonsintheirfamilyyelledatthem,sworeatthem,ormadethemfeel verybad.46Only2.5percentofrespondentswerethreatened,andtwopercentthreatened withaweapon.47 4. PhysicalViolence48 AccordingtodefinitionsspecifiedintheCriminalCode,physicalviolencecouldincludelight bodily harm, grievous bodily harm, mistreating or abandoning a child, kidnapping, attempted murder, murder, and sexual violence (described in the next section of this report). The Regulation against Domestic Violence includes inflicting bodily injury, non consensual sexual acts or sexual exploitation, kidnapping and forcibly removing the other personfromacommonresidence.Bodilyharminvolvespushing,shoving,slapping,hitting, kicking,biting,useoftoolsorweaponsandotheractswhichmayresultinfear,injuryor death,accordingtotheSSOhandbook.49Victimizersmayalsousedestructionofproperty asameansofdemonstratingpowerorcontrol.50 Table 2.4 illustrates the number of physical violence cases recorded by various institutions and organisations. Between 2000 and 2003, CPWC recorded 2,132 cases of physicalviolence,acategorythatincludedsexualviolence.51Inaddition,CPWCreported
CPWC,Annual2003,24andAnnualReport2002,25.Numbersincludepersonswhodidnotreceiveshelter. Psychologicalviolencewasdefinedtoincludethefollowingactsoccurringduringadulthood:namecalling, beingswornat,beingconstantlyorderedaroundbyfamilymembers,beingforbiddenfromseeingfriendsor relatives,controlledmovement,madetofeelguiltyconstantly,importantdecisionsmadewithoutrespondent beingasked,threatenedwithharm,lovedonethreatened,andthreatenedwithweapon. 46 For10.3percentofrespondents,thisoccurredonetofivetimesinthelastyear.Threepresentreportedat leasteverymonth,ifnoteveryweekoreveryday.Peoplefromurbanareasandpeopleyoungerthan45years oldweremorelikelytosayfamilymembershaddonethis.Therespondentswhoreportedexperiencing psychologicalviolenceeverymonthtendedtobewomenand/ordivorced. 47 Respondentswithlowerlevelsofeducation(lessthanprimaryschool),lowhouseholdincome(lessthan800 Eurostotalhouseholdincomeinthreemonths),Albanians,andSerbsweremorelikelytohavebeen threatenedwithaweaponbyafamilymember. 48 ThissectiondrawsfromKWN,ExploratoryResearch,21. 49 OSCEandMLSW,13. 50 SeeGovernmentofPortugal,sectiononDomesticViolence,1625. 51 Thereporttotalislistedas2223cases,butthenumberspresentedaddupto2132.
45 44
31
804 cases of assault.52 In 2003, two shelteredwomen suffered violent haircuts,CPWC wrote, one of the gravest acts of degradation.53 The other four shelters combined housed 429 and Medica Kosova assisted 135 women who experienced physical violence, mostlyfromhusbandsand/orinlaws.54WWCetal.foundthat17percentofwomenhad sufferedphysicaldomesticviolencebeforethewarcomparedto11percentafterward.55
Table2.4NumberofCasesofPhysicalViolenceReported
Source Category 2000 KPS56 Forciblyremovingtheother personfromacommon residence KPS Grievousbodilyharm KPS Impermissibletermination ofpregnancy KPS Incitingandassistedsuicide KPS Lightbodilyharm KPS Mistreatingorabandoninga child KPS Murder KPS Attemptedmurder KPS Physicalattack KPS Physicalmaltreatment KPS Psychophysical maltreatment KPS Threatwithaweapon CPWC Seriouscrimes(murder, 3 attemptedmurder,suicide, andattemptedsuicide)57 CPWC Physicalviolence 864 WWC Physicalviolence Four Physicalviolence
shelters
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006 2007 Total 16 12 28
21 1 3 408 2 4 3 341 83 9
14 1 13 462 2 4 6 215 24 10 4
40 2 21 1160 6 9 13 1217 124 10 13 33
5 290 2 1 4 661 17
24
560
494
214 36
43
44
38
25
2132 186 429
In 2007, KWN also found that more than twothirds of the women suffering violence at homewereslapped,hit,punched,kicked,strangled,orbeaten.Objectswereusedregularly againsttwothirdsofthewomen,suchasbelts,wood,sticks,branches,cables,andfirearms. Almost 40 percent also said that violence against them often involved violence against children. Approximately 18 percent of the respondents to KWNs 2008 survey had ever experienced physical violence, and three respondents said they suffered physical violence everyday.58Peopleinruralareas,withlessthanasecondaryschooleducation,and/orlow
Physicalviolenceincludedgraveandminorilltreatment,bodilyinjuries,andactsofsexualviolence (CPWC,Annual2003,p.2324).Thedifferencebetweenphysicalviolenceandphysicalassaultwasunclear. 53 CPWC,Annual2003,68. 54 KWN,ExploratoryResearch,24. 55 AsthisresearchtookplaceinPejaregion,furtherresearchisneededtodeducewhetherphysicalviolence increasedordecreasedthroughoutKosovo. 56 KPS,KWNsurvey,2008. 57 CPWC,Annual2003,24. 58 Only1.3percentofrespondentssaidafamilymemberphysicallyabusedtheminthelastyear.Divorced personsand/orthosereceivingsocialassistancetendedtoestimatethattheyexperiencedphysicalviolence everymonth.Physicalviolencewasdefinedas:afamilymemberforbiddingthemfromgoingtothedoctor 32
52
incomeweremorelikelytohavesufferedphysicalviolence.59Thirtypercentofrespondents hadbeenslappedbyafamilymemberatsomepointintheirlifetime;fivepercenthadbeen hit, punched, or kicked by an adult family member; and 5.7 percent had been hit with objects, including sticks, belts or knives. Physical violence can also involve preventing a familymemberfromvisitingthedoctor,androughlytwopercentofrespondentssaidtheir familywouldnotallowthemtoseekmedicalattentionwhentheywereill. 5. SexualViolence Sexual violence is a form of physical violence that deserves special consideration. The CriminalCodeclearlystatesthatanyofthefollowingnonconsensual(includingpressured orcoerced)actswhencommittedwithindomesticrelationshipsarecrimes:sexualassault; degradingsexualintegrity;andsexualabuseofpersonswithmentaloremotionaldisorders ordisabilities.60Further,astheSSOhandbookexplains: Ifoneofthepersonsisunder16orisbetween16and18yearsandachild,foster child, stepchild, grandchild, nephew or niece of the other person, it is always assumedthattheycannotconsent,andthussexualactivityconstitutesabuseunder any circumstances. Sexual abuse involves behaviours such as fondling, fellatio or cunnilingus, anal or vaginal penetration. It can also include exploitation through forcing someone to have photographs taken of a sexual nature, or by forcing someoneintoprostitution.61 The handbook goes on to define Battering rapes as acts that include both physical and sexual violence and obsessive forced sex to involve perpetrators requiring an extra ordinary number of sexual encounters or sex as a form of sadistic, brutal or perverse behaviour.62 Without the persons active consent, all of the aforementioned acts are considered crimes. However, new to Kosovo is the idea that nonconsensual sexual acts occurring within a domestic relationship and especially between two partners can be consideredviolence.Asmentioned,twothirdsoftherespondentstoKWNssurveyagreed that Sexual intercourse can never be violence if it happens between two adults who are married.Thismayexplainwhysexualviolenceisrarelyreported. AsTable2.5illustrates,onlythreecasesofsexualassault,onecaseofrape,andone caseofincesthavebeenreportedtoKPSasactsofdomesticviolence.63Yet,fourshelters reportedassistingintotal72womenwhosufferedsexualviolenceand17casesofincest.64 Healthprofessionalshadalsoencounteredsexualdomesticviolencecases.Forexample,a
whentheyweresick,destroyingdishesorfurnitureonpurpose,slappingtherespondentinadulthood,and/or hitting,punchingorkicking.Whileslappingchildrenisaformofviolenceaswell,itwasnotincluded.A commonformofdiscipline,includingslappingwouldincreasedrasticallythepercentageofthepopulationthat experiencedphysicalviolence. 59 Familiesthathadatotalhouseholdincomeoflessthan800eurosinthreemonths. 60 UNMIKRegulation2003/01AmendingtheApplicableLawonCriminalOffencesInvolvingSexualViolence, Section1.1(1)andparagraph4ofthepreambleoftheRegulation. 61 OSCEandMLSW,13. 62 Ibid. 63 WhileKPS,UNMIKpolice,andCivPolrecordedmorecasesofsexualassault,rape,andattemptedrape,it wasnotdocumentedormadeclearwhethertheseoccurredinadomesticrelationship. 64 KWN,ExploratoryResearch,26andCPWCunpublishedstatisticssheet. 33
gynaecologistrecalledtreatingaclientwhosehusbandhadextinguishedhiscigaretteonthe womansgenitals.65
Table2.5ExtentofSexualViolenceinDomesticRelationshipsaccordingtoVariousSources Source Category/Class 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Total 66 KPS Sexualassault 2 0 1 3 KPS Rape 0 1 1 KPS Incest 0 1 1
Only 2.5 percent of respondents to KWNs Kosovowide survey said they had sufferedsexualviolence,suchasafamilymembertouchingtheirprivatepartsinawaythey did not want to be touched, a partner pressuring them to have sexual intercourse when theydidnotwantto,orafamilymembermakingthemdosexualactstheydidnotwantto do. More women (3.5 percent) than men (1.3 percent) had suffered sexual violence. One woman commented, My husband can have sex with me whenever he wants, without asking.67Peoplewhowerereceivingsocialassistanceweremorelikelytohaveexperienced sexual violence. Sexual violence is almost certainly more common, but respondents were likelyhesitanttodiscussthispersonalissuewithresearchers. UNIFEM,whichspentmoretimebuildingconfidencewithwomen,askedwomento return selffilled questionnaires anonymously. Eighteen percent of respondents reported rape by known Albanian men. Among them, 53 percent were raped by their partner or a familymember.68WWCetal.foundthateightpercentofmarriedwomenhadexperienced sexualcoercionpriortothewarandsixpercentfollowingthewar.69Amongthewomenwho sufferedviolencefrompartners,almosthalfbeforethewarandnearly40percentafterthe warsaidtheirpartnerswantedsexaftermistreatingthem. InKWNspriorstudywheretrustedcounsellorsconductedindepthinterviewswith 31womenknowntobeexperiencingviolence,nearlythreefourthssaidtheirpartnerforced themtohavesex.70Onewomanrecalled,Mypartner,exhusband,wasaggressive,whenI didnt want sexual intercourse. I had to do it because, if not, he hit me or brought other femaleshomeformetoservethem.Fromthelargersampleof51womeninthatstudy, halfweremadetodosexualactstheydidnotwanttodo.Yet,onlytwowomenbelieved had suffered sexual assault. This illustrates how women may not know that forced sex is marital rape, contributing to underreporting of sexual violence in Kosovo. KWN has reportedthatpride,fearofsocialisolation,andalackofalternativesmaypreventwomen fromcomingforward,aswell.71
Ibid. KPS,KWNsurvey,2008. 67 MarriedAlbanianwomanage45fromGjilanmunicipality. 68 UNIFEM,37.Ofthem,53percentweremarriedandrapedbytheirpartner(husbandorboyfriend)ora familymember,26percentweresingle,and21percentwerewidowedorseparated(thoughitwasnotclear whetherrapetookplacebeforeoraftertheywerewidowedorseparated). 69 WWCetal.,6.AfterthewarincludedSeptember2001toAugust2002. 70 Ofthewomen,sevenwereforcedeveryweekandteneverymonth(KWN,ExploratoryResearch). 71 Ibid.
66 65
34
6. EconomicViolence Economicviolenceoccurswhenanabuserusesfinancestoexertpoweroveranotherfamily member.72Economicviolencecouldinvolveaperpetrator:notallowingapersontoworkfor economic benefit; refusing to work and contribute to the family budget; not helping to support the family financially; or refusing to share money with a partner for household purchases.73AccordingtotheCriminalCode,violatingfamilyobligationslikeleavingafamily member incapable of taking care of himself/herself in a situation of distress could be interpretedasaformofeconomicviolence.Causingpropertydamage,removingproperty, ornotallowingapersontheirshareofpropertycanalsobeconsideredformsofeconomic abuse.74 Disputes over how to spend the familys finances can also lead to physical violence.75 KPS recorded only ten cases of property damage, one of abandoning an incapacitated person, and eleven of violating family obligations within domestic relationshipsbetween2005and2007.76Otherinstitutionsdidnotrecordeconomicviolence cases, but three shelters had assisted 135 women who suffered economic violence as of 2007.77 Nearly 15 percent of respondents to the KWN Kosovowide survey had ever experiencedeconomicviolence,suchasafamilymemberwhohadmoneynotgivingmoney for something the respondent really needed or a family member not allowing the respondent to work outside the home for money in adulthood (emphasis in the original questions).Interestingly,slightlymoremen(15.1percent)thanwomen(13.7percent)said theyhadsufferedeconomicviolence.Comparedtootherdemographicgroups,respondents from rural areas, with less than a secondary school education, who were unemployed, and/orwhohadathreemonthhouseholdincomeoflessthan600eurosweremorelikely tohaveexperiencedeconomicviolence. 7. Whoarethevictims?DemographicGroupsMostAffectedbyDomesticViolence Determining which demographic and geographic groups are at greatest risk of domestic violenceisessentialforplanningtargetedawarenessraisingprojectsanddomesticviolence prevention measures. Further, a better understanding of the groups most affected by violencecanhelpinstitutionsdevelopbetterprogramsforassistingpeople,aswellashelp tojustifyandsecureannualbudgetsformeetingthesegroupsspecificneeds. Whilepeople ofallgenders,ethnicities,ages,maritalstatuses,economicsituations,andgeographicareas havesuffereddomesticviolenceinKosovo,78areviewofexistingresearch,79datagathered by institutions, and findings from the KWN Kosovowide survey suggests that Kosovar citizensmostatriskofviolenceare:
OSCEandMLSW,14. TheIdahoCoalitionagainstSexual&DomesticViolence. 74 Fivepercentofrespondentssaidafamilymemberhadeverdestroyedfurnitureorbrokendisheson purpose. 75 KWN,ExploratoryResearch,26. 76 KPS,KWNsurvey,2008. 77 KWN,ExploratoryResearch,26. 78 See,forexample,KWN,ExploratoryResearchandKPSrecords. 79 Comparingvarioussources,KWNhasshownthatsomegroupsofwomenappeartobeatgreaterrisk (ExploratoryResearch).
73
72
35
SecurityBeginsatHome Women: According to KPS records from 2005 to 2007, 79 percent of all victims of domestic violencewerewomenwhile21percentweremen.80 Peoplefromruralareas:Whilefewinstitutionsmaintainedthisinformation,surveyrespondents whohadexperienceddomesticviolenceandshelterclientstendedtobefromruralareas.81 Lesseducated:Twentypercentofthevictimssurveyrespondentsknewhadnotfinishedprimary school, 17.2 percent had finished primary school, and 34.4 percent had attended secondary school. Only 6.6 percent went to university.82 Of the survey respondents who had suffered domesticviolencethemselves,mosthadlessthanasecondaryschooleducation. Unemployed:Sincepeoplewithlowlevelsofeducationtendtobeunemployedathigherrates thanpeoplewithmoreadvancededucation,83itfollowsthatifvictimsarepoorlyeducatedthey may also be unemployed.84 Nearly 19 percent of the persons respondents knew were experiencingviolencewereemployed,2.6percentfarmers,and61.6percentunemployed. Economicallypoorandoftenreceivingsocialassistance:Violencetendstooccurinfamiliesthat arelesswelloffeconomically85andreceivingsocialassistancefromthegovernment.86 Albanian: Since Albanians comprise the majority of Kosovos population, it is perhaps unsurprising that most victims of domestic violence have been Albanian. However, domestic violenceoccursinallethnicgroups.AccordingtoKPSrecordsandasGraph2.4illustrates,87most victims were Albanian (82.9 percent). Just over nine percent were Serb, 3.7 percent Roma or Ashkali, 2.3 percent Bosnian, 0.4 percent Turk, 0.4 percent Goran, and 1.1 percent Other. Yet, further research should be conducted in minority communities for a more comprehensive understanding, as victims from these areas might have limited access to services if lacking translatedmaterialsandthereforeunderstandingofresourcesavailabletothem. FromPrishtinaRegion:AsGraph2.5illustrates,mostreportsofdomesticviolenceweremadein Prishtinaregion.However,domesticviolencehasbeenreportedinallsixregions,anditseems
KWNanalysisofKPSstatistics.AccordingtoPartnersKosovo,violenceagainstwomenwasthemost commontypeofviolencetheyencounteredintheirwork(KWNsurvey,2008). 81 KWNsurvey,2008.CPWCestimatedthat82percentofitsdomesticviolenceclientsfrom2000to2003were fromruralareas(Annual2003,29andAnnualReport2002,41).WWCrecorded72percentofclientswere fromruralareas(ExploratoryResearch,18). 82 For21.8percentofthecases,respondentsdidnotknow.Inits2007study,KWNfoundastrongnegative correlationbetweenthelevelofeducationwomencompletedandwhethertheyexperiencedviolencewhile pregnant(ExploratoryResearch,18). 83 SOKreportedin2003and2004thathalfofthepeoplewithlessthananuppersecondaryeducationwere unemployedcomparedto11percentofpeoplewithhighereducation(2004LabourMarketStatistics,26). 84 NinetytwopercentofCPWCclientswereunemployed(Annual2003,31).Altogether,threeothershelters recordedthat70percentoftheirclientswereunemployed,21percentemployed,and9percentfarmers.Of the51womenexperiencingdomesticviolenceinterviewedbyKWNin2007,71percentwereunemployedand economicallydependentontheirspouseorotherfamilymembers.(ExploratoryResearch,19). 85 Asof2007,KWNreportedthatHalfWWCsclientscamefromfamilieswithverypoorlivingconditions,37 percentpoorlivingconditions,and12percentmediumlivingconditions(ExploratoryResearch,19).Eighty percentofwomenexperiencingviolenceinterviewedbyKWNin2007estimatedthattheirhouseholdincome fromallsourceseachmonthtotalled200Eurosorless.TheKWNsurveyin2008foundacorrelationbetween personswhoexperienceviolenceandlowincome. 86 KWNfoundacorrelationbetweenrespondentswhoexperiencedviolenceandthosereceivingsocial assistance(survey2008).SOKfoundin2004that61percentofKosovarfamilieshadincometotallinglessthan 200Eurospermonth.TheWorldBankhasfoundthat12percentofthepopulationsurvivesinextremepoverty withlessthan0.92Eurosadayandhalfthepopulationmakesunder1.79Eurosaday(citedinKWN,byLynne Alice,MonitoringImplementationofUnitedNationsSecurityCouncilResolution1325inKosovo,Prishtina: KWN,2007,7). 87 Sourceofgraph:CreatedbyKWN,BasedonKPSSectorforDomesticViolenceInvestigationsStatistics. 36
80
SecurityBeginsatHome that the number of reports corresponds roughly with the population estimates in each area.88 Thus,thelargestpercentageofthepopulationlivesinPrishtinaregion,soitisunsurprisingthat domesticviolencewasreportedmostofteninPrishtina.KWNalsofoundacorrelationbetween survey respondents who had experienced domestic violence and Podujevo and Fushe Kosova municipalities, which may indicate that violence occurs more in these areas, though further researchisneeded.
Graph2.4.EthnicityofVictims
Roma/Ashkali 4% Bosnian 2%
Turk 1%
Goran 0%
Other 1% Albanian 83%
Serb 9%
Graph2.5DomesticViolenceCasesReportedtoKPS,20052007byRegion
2005 428 392 344 2006 2007
241 251 197 218
234 210 160 178 143 184 156 134 117 132 99
Prishtin
Prizren
Pej
Mitrovic
Gjilan
Ferizaj
Source:CreatedbyKWN,BasedonKPSSectorforDomesticViolenceInvestigationsStatistics
88
AccordingtoSOK,approximately15percentoftheKosovospopulationlivesinPrishtinamunicipality,10 percentinPrizren,5.11percentinPeja,5.31percentinMitrovica,4.46percentinGjilan,and5.44percentin Ferizaj(KWNcalculationwithinformationdrawnfromSOK,StatisticalAtlas). 37
Whilekeepingthesefindingsinmind,oneshouldbecautiousindrawingquickconclusions regardingtheprofileofvictims.Findingsshouldnotbeusedtosuggestthatviolencedoes not occur in other geographic and demographic groups, as violence can and has affected people from all groups. Instead, the findings are meant to help the government target specificgroupswithfuturepreventionandprotectionprograms. An examination of how violence impacts other specific groups, especially children, peoplewithspecialneeds,andtheelderly,mayalsobeusefulforthegovernmenttoplan targeted education campaigns and programs to better protect specific groups of people. Basedonsuchinformation,thegovernmentcanalsodrawfromtheresources,capabilities, andexperiencesofNGOsandinstitutionswithconnectionstospecificgroupsofcitizens. ViolenceagainstWomen Consideringthatwomenaremorelikelytobevictimsofdomesticviolencethanmen,89this section explores how domestic violence has impacted particular groups of women or women at certain points in their lives. It examines violence that affects new wives (nuse), reproductivehealth,andpregnantwomen,aswellaswomenwhosufferedsexualviolence duringthewar. First,youngwomenandespeciallynuseareresponsibleforcaringforthehousehold: cleaning, cooking, and serving guests. Traditionally, they hold these responsibilities until a newernuseentersthefamilyortheygivebirthtotheirfirstchild.Nuseoccupythelowest position in family decisionmaking as part of tradition. The treatment of nuse by other familiescouldbeconsideredaformofpsychologicalviolence,thoughthishasrarelybeen discussedpublicly.Physicalviolenceagainstnusealsoexists,thoughitisseldomreported. Forexample,asurveyedmiddleagedAlbanianwomansaidwhenshewasfirstmarriedshe experiencedviolencefromallofherhusbandsfamily.Sometimestheyspankedher,butshe always experienced psychological violence because she lived with her brotherinlaws andparentsinlaw,shesaid.90Althoughsocialchangeparticularlyinurbanareassometimes mean nuse have more freedom, especially if they live independent from their parentsin law,violencestillexists.In2006and2007,KPSrecorded25caseswherefatherinlawsand 66 cases where motherinlaws carried out violence against nuse.91 Fourteen women (and no men) surveyed by KWN had experienced violence from their fatherinlaw, and 27 women(andoneman)fromtheirmotherinlaw.Whilelesscommon,KPSalsorecordedtwo casesofviolenceagainstnewhusbands. Second, prior research has illustrated that womens right to decide if, when and howoftentheywanttoreproduce,accordingtotheWorldHealthOrganizationdefinition ofreproductivehealth,hasbeenviolatedinKosovo.92AsonewomantoldKWNin2007,I shouldtalkwithmyhusbandaboutthat[contraception],[but]Iwouldhavebeenbeatenby him every night. Women reported being pressured by their husbands, inlaws, and other familymemberstohavemorechildrenthantheywantedortohavemalechildrenonly.93
KWNfoundacorrelationbetweeneverexperiencingviolenceandbeingfemale. AwomanrespondentinPejarelayedanothercasewhereviolencehappenedbecauseofadisagreement betweenanuseandhermotherinlaw.Thisinfluencedaconflictbetweenthespouses,andasaresult,the nusecalledthepolicewhoarrestedtheabuser(KWNsurvey,2008). 91 KPS,KWNsurvey,2008. 92 KWN,ExploratoryResearch,28. 93 Ofthesurveyrespondentswhohadchildren,6.2percenthadeverbeentoldthattheyshouldhavemore childrenthantheywanted.Morethantwothirdsoftherespondentswhohadbeenpressuredwerewomen.
90 89
38
Among the 2008 KWN survey respondents who had children, 11.8 percent of women and 5.7percentofmensaidtheyhadbeenpressuredtohavemorechildrenthantheywanted. Womenwereprimarilypressuredbytheirpartnerortheirparentsinlaw,whilemenwere pressuredbytheirownparentsandsometimestheirpartner. Third, contrary to prior research in Kosovo that suggested pregnant women are never violated,94 KWN found extensive evidence that violence against pregnant women indeedoccursandthatwomenalreadylivinginviolenthomesituationsareespeciallyatrisk of violence during pregnancy.95 Professionals reported treating cases of pregnant women hospitalizedfrominjuriesthatresultedfromviolence,beingforcedtoserveasaprostitute, and attempting suicide following psychological violence.96 In addition, shelters assisted numerous young women who were ousted from their homes when parents learned they hadbecomepregnantoutofwedlock,anactidentifiedintheRegulationagainstDomestic Violence. Women in Kosovo have also been prevented from receiving medical attention, especially reproductive healthcare, because family members would not allow it, husbands werejealous,theyhadtoprotectfamilyhonour,forreligiousreasons,and/orduetoalack offinances.97
Respondentswerepressuredbytheirpartner(50.7percent),parents(16.4percent),parentsinlaw(20.5) percent,andotherfamilymembers(4.1percent).Seealso,KWN,ExploratoryResearch,28. 94 See,forexample,theVloraBashaandIngeHutterforUNFPA,PopulationResearchCentreofGroningen,and IndexKosovareportPregnancyandFamilyPlanninginKosovo:AQualitativeStudy(Prishtina:December2006), 26.Mostparticipantsintheirfocusgroupsagreed,PregnancywasalwaysrespectedinKosovoculture,and theyconcluded,Apregnantwomanisseenasfragileandeveryonearoundherinthefamilyismorecaring. Shealsogarnersmorerespect. 95 KWNfoundthatoutof47everpregnantwomenwhohadexperiencedviolenceintheirlifetime,onlysix werenotviolatedduringoneormultiplepregnancies(28).Onewomansufferedpsychological,physical,and sexualviolenceduringeachofhertenpregnancies.WWCetal.alsoreportedthat10.5percentofwomenwith partnersthattheyinterviewedwerebeatenduringpregnancy(28). 96 KWN,ExploratoryResearch,28. 97 KWN,ExploratoryResearch,2930. 39
WomenexperiencingviolencetoldKWNthattheywerepreventedfromreceivinghealthcare formanyreasonsrangingfromgossiptoreligion,totheirhusbandsjealousy,toalackof finances: TheywereafraidthatImighttellsomeonehowtheyweretreatingme. MyhusbanddidntbelievethatIwassick,andhedidnttakemetothedoctorbecausethe primarythingforhimwassecuringmoneytogooutsidethehomethewholenightand createproblemsathomeandexpressviolenceagainstthechildrenandmewhenhecame backhome. [M]yhusbandalwaysthoughtthatIamgoingtovisitthedoctoronlytoseethedoctor,to showmyself. Myfatherinlawsaid,Awomanwhovisitsthedoctorisnotawoman. Unemployment,theydidnthavemoney.IwasyoungandwhenItoldthemthatIhadpain, mymotherinlawsaidtome,Thesamethinghappenedtomebutitwillpassanddonttell aboutthisbecauseitisshameful. AfterthedeathofmyhusbandIneededtogotothegynaecologist,butitwasdifficultfor mebecausethegossipfrompeople[andtheir]guessesthatIcouldbepregnant,keptme fromdoingthat. Source:KWN,ExploratoryResearch,2930
The KWN Kosovowide survey further verified these prior research findings. Women respondents said they had experienced the following forms of violence while pregnant: namecalling, being sworn at, being ordered around all the time, isolated from friends or relatives, movement controlled, prevented from visiting the doctor when ill, threatened, slapped,pressuredtohavesexwhentheydidnotwantto,andmadetodosexualactsthey didnotwanttodo. Fourth, another rarely discussed form of domestic violence has targeted Kosovar women who suffered sexual violence during the war.98 While little documentation exists, activists have reported that some women who were raped by Serb forces during the war experiencedisolation,psychological,andevenphysicalviolencefromtheirfamilymembers. MedicaKosova,forexample,estimatedthat90percentofthewomenvictimsofwarrape that they assisted did not receive emotional support from their families.99 Medica Kosova hadtofindshelterforoneyoungwomanoustedfromherhomebyherfamilyduetoshame until she gave birth and found adoptive parents for the child. The Kosova Rehabilitation
Whilenoconcretedataexistsduetounderreporting,priorestimatesregardingthenumberofwomenraped duringthewarhaverangedfrom10to45thousand.See,MichelleHynesandBarbaraLopesCardozo,Sexual ViolenceagainstWomeninRefugeeSettings,JournalofWomensHealthandGenderbasedMedicine,9.No. 8,(2000),819824,citedbyWWCetal.,12;Corrin,PostconflictSituationinKosovo,93;andCPWC,Annual 2003,136. 99 MedicaKosova,telephoneconversation,July2008. 40
98
CentreforTortureVictims(KRCT)toldofanothercasewhereahusbandusedphysicaland psychologicalviolenceagainsthiswifebecausehebelievedthatshewantedtohavesexual intercourse with the Serb forces that raped her.100 A psychosomatic approach and better documentation of patients assisted by Centres for Social Work and healthcare personnel couldprovidefurtherinformationregardingtheextentofthisphenomenon. ViolenceagainstChildren No known research has examined closely violence against children in Kosovo. While the UNICEF report, Situation Analysis of Children and Women in Kosovo discusses briefly the issue, it does not provide any new data.101 In 2008, neither UNICEF nor the Youth Action Networkhadresearchregardingtheextentofviolenceagainstchildren,butrepresentatives emphasized that violence against children indeed exists in Kosovo.102 According to Youth Action Network, one of the most often expressed concerns at theirmeetings was parents forcingyouthtodiscontinuetheireducationandtocarryouthardphysicallabour,illegalfor somememberswhowereminors.Theyestimatedthatonly10percentofdomesticviolence casesarereportedbecausemanyfamiliesstillhavepatriarchaldecisionmakingstructures, andyoungfamilymembersarethuspreventedfromreportingviolence.KPSrecordedonly 125casesofviolenceagainstchildrenfrom2005to2006.103 Violenceagainstchildrencanbedifficulttomeasurebecausepeopletendtodefine violencedifferently,asthelastchapterillustrated.Whileonepersonmayconsiderslapping violence,anotherpersonmaynot.Therefore,KWNaskedrespondentsfirstlywhattypesof actstheyused(orwoulduseiftheydidnothavechildren)todisciplinetheirchildren,and, secondly,whethertheyhadexperiencedparticularactsintheirchildhood.Graph2.6shows the types of discipline respondents used to punish children: 19.4 percent of respondents spanked children with their hand (notably 125 women compared to 72 men), 2.5 percent spanked them with a belt or stick (16 women compared to nine men), and 1.3 percent beattheirchildren(fourmenandninewomen).Peoplewithauniversityleveleducation were less likely to punish their children using hands, belts, or sticks, while these forms of punishmentweremorelikelytobeusedbypeoplewhowereunemployed,hadlowincome, had more children, and/or lived in towns and cities (Obiliq municipality in particular). However, methods of punishment appear to be changing; respondents ages 46 and older were somewhat more likely to punish their children with spanking by hand, belt, or stick thanyoungergenerations.104
KRCT,KWNsurvey,Prishtina. UNICEF,SituationAnalysisofChildrenandWomeninKosovo,(Prishtina:UNICEFKosovo,2004),7071. 102 YouthNetworkofKosovoandUNICEF,KWNsurveys,2008.YouthNetworkofKosovo,anumbrellaofyouth organizations,wasintheprocessoffinalizingareportexaminingthedegreetowhichgenderequalitywas incorporatedintheNationalActionPlanforYouth.Theyconcludedthattheplandoesnotaddressgender equalityandmaderecommendations. 103 Forexample,aKPSofficersaidtheyassistedasmallboywhosestepmotherabusedhim.Theboysfather madeabedandplaceforhimtoeatandisolatedhimintheatticofthehouse. 104 Halftherespondentshadseenparentsslappingtheirchildren.
101
100
41
Graph2.6HowAreChildrenPunished
Total Male Female
30.5%
Didnotpunish children
310 161 149

24.8%
Yelledatthem
252 127 125

19.8%
Talkedtothemabouttheirbadbehavior 92
19.4%
201 109
Spankedthemwithhand
197 72 125
6.9%
Didnotallowthemtoplaywithfriends
70 23 47
3.9%
Madethemstayintheirbedroomorinthehouse
40 5 35
2.5%
Spankedthemwithabeltorstick
25 9 16
2.1%
Madethemdoextraworkaroundthehouse
21 10 11
1.3%
Beatthem
13 4 9
1.0%
Didnotallowthemtoplaywithtoys,watchTV,computer,etc.
10 4 6
0.9%
Didnotgivethemmoneytopurchasethings
9 3 6
In order to determine the degree to which respondents treated male and female children differently, respondents were asked how they punished girls and how they punishedboys.Approximatelytenpercentoftherespondentssaidthatgirlsand boysare punished differently. Interestingly, respondents disagreed as to how they were treated differently,asGraph2.7illustrates.Abouthalfoftheserespondentssaidgirlsreceivedless punishmentthanboys,whileclosetotheotherhalfsaidgirlsreceivedharderpunishment thanboys.Whileeightrespondentssaidboyswerebeaten,sixotherrespondentssaidgirls werebeaten.
42
Graph2.7HowAreGirlsandBoysPunished
HowAreBoysPunished HowAreGirlsPunished
Lighter/lesspunishment Harder/morepunishment Yell/scold Counsel/discussbehavior Beating Other Nopunishment Havetodoextraworkathome 2 1 4 4 7 5 6 6 5 10 8
42 48
51 46
Then, respondents were asked when they were children how their parents usually punishedthemiftheywerenaughty.Tenpercentofallwomen,19percentofallmen,and 14.2 percent of all respondents had experienced physical violence in their childhood, including beating, punching, kicking, or being hit with a stick or belt. In addition, 27.2 percentofrespondentswereslappedbyafamilymemberintheirchildhood.AsGraph2.8 shows, more women (213) than men (135) said they were not punished at all. Most respondents(31.8percent)saidparentsspankedthemwiththeirhand.Only1.1percentof respondents said they were beaten. Slightly less than five percent of respondents were spankedwithabeltorstick. When respondents childhood [WhenIwasachild,]aclosecousin experiences are accounted for, interestingly a attemptedtorapeme.Hepickedme similar percentage of women and men up,heundressed,andIbegantocry.I experienced physical violence during their begantofight,andIdontknowhowI lifetime because boys were approximately escaped. three times as likely as girls to be punished throughviolentmeans.Forexample,amiddle Shelteredwomanvictimofviolence, aged man recalled his father and stepmother quotedbyKWN,ExploratoryResearch beating him and making him discontinue his schooling at an early age so he would earn money for the family.105 Respondents living in Skenderaj, Klina, and Fushe Kosova were morelikelytohaveexperiencedviolenceintheirchildhood.Peopleage25andolderwere more likely to have experienced violence, which may indicate a change the types of punishmentusedbyparents.
MarriedSerbianmanage4655fromZubinPotokmunicipality.PartnersKosovaalsodealtwithcasesof violenceagainstchildren(KWNsurvey,2008). 43
105
Graph2.8HowRespondentsWerePunishedinTheirChildhood
393 348 348
237 213 194 154 121 97 61 46 13 3 10 1.1% Beaten 15

4.9% 5.5%
156
135
68 50 34 34 25
75 53 44
7.8%
67
54
6.1%
9.8%
28.1%
28.1%
31.8%
Spankedwithbelt Hadtodoextra Hadtostayin orstick workaroundthe bedroomor house insidethehouse
Withwords/ discussion
Notallowedto playwithfriends
Notpunished
Yelledat
Spankedwith hand
In conclusion, violence against children may occur at similar or even higher rates thanviolenceagainstpartners.However,itmayberarelyifeverreportedbecausechildren lackknowledgeoraccesstoassistance.Additionalresearchonviolenceagainstchildrenis needed. Although styles of discipline may be changing with a new generation of parents, awarenessraising campaigns could serve to debunk myths that girls and boys should be disciplineddifferently.Talkshowsandparentaleducationcampaignscouldrelaythatequal andespeciallynonviolentdisciplinecanimprovechilddevelopmentforbothgirlsandboys. Since children may have difficulties communicating cases of violence or accessing support services, education about family violence should be included in primary and secondary schoolswithsimple,easytounderstandinformationsochildrenknowwheretheycanget help if needed. Helplines with trained staff to work with children experiencing violence shouldbesupportedforchildrentoreportviolencecases.Schoolscouldplayanimportant role in identifying such cases and offering assistance and protection to this especially vulnerablegroupofcitizens. ViolenceagainsttheElderly While less common, there have also been reports of elderly inlaws experiencing violence from nuse or new husbands. A surveyed woman said her fatherinlaw suffered psychological violence from his daughterinlaw, and KPS recorded three cases of grooms carryingoutviolenceagainsttheirfatherinlaws.AKPSofficeralsotoldofanelderlywoman beingforcedoutofherhomebyherson,amongalotofothercases,106andaVArecalled awomaninhereightiesrunningbarefootforapproximately50kilometrestoreachapolice stationforhelp.107Asurveyrespondentdescribedthesituationofheruncleinlaw:
106 107
PartnersKosovahashelpedmediatecasesofviolenceagainsttheelderly(KWNsurvey,2008). VictimAdvocate(VA)inFerizaj,KWNsurvey,2008.
44
[He]doesnthavehisownfamily,butheliveswithhisbrother.Heis78yearsold.He experiencesviolencefromhisbrotherschildren.(Theyareages1820.)Theytakehis pension. They use his property. They push him, beat him. The old man comes to complain to our family very often. He was asking where to ask for help, but he doesntknowwheretogo.Hecantleavethevillage.Itwouldbeverygoodtofinda safeplaceforhimtostay,ashelterforelderlypeople. Elderlyrespondentstothesurveysaidtheyexperiencedthefollowingformsofviolencein theiroldage:namecalling(sevenrespondents),beingswornat(10),beingorderedaround all the time (20), not allowed to see friends or relatives (11), controlled where they can/cannotgo(13),madetofeelguiltyallthetime(eight),hadimportantdecisionsmade for them without asking them (11), refused money for something they needed (11), not allowed to work (eight), not allowed to go to the doctor when they were ill (five), threatenedwithharm(two),threatenedwithaweapon(two),hadpropertydestroyedon purpose(six),slapped(six),hit,kickedorpunched(three),touchedsexuallyinawaythey didnotwanttobetouched(three),pressuredtohavesexwhentheydidnotwantto(four), and made to do sexual acts they did not want to do. Further research is needed to documenttheextentofviolenceagainsttheelderly. ViolenceagainstPersonswithSpecialNeeds In accordance with the AntiDiscrimination Law, people with special physical and psychological needs are guaranteed equal access to education, employment, and public places.108 However, women and children that have special needs are considered to be at Violencehappenedbecauseofthe particularriskofdomesticviolence.109Indepth mentaldisabilitiesofthewoman.Her researchhasyettoexaminetheprevalenceof husbandusedphysicalviolenceagainst domestic violence against people with her.Thecasewasreportedtothe disabilities in Kosovo, and KPS only recorded policeandthesituationseemstobe onecaseofabandonmentandmistreatmentof calmerlately.[Thegovernmentneeds] a disabled person.110 Since families often tobemorecarefulforcasesof isolatepeoplewithspecialneedsduetoshame peoplewithpsychologicalproblems,to providethemwithbettermaterial (a form of violence in itself), identifying the conditions. extent of violence in Kosovo is challenging. There are cases that people with physical MiddleagedAlbanianwomanfrom disabilities are not allowed to leave home Peja because of shame. Families usually hide them from others, a representative from Handikos Prishtina said. Isolation can mean that children with special needs do not have accesstoeducation.AccordingtoUNICEF,only16percentofchildrenwithspecialneedsgo
AssemblyofKosovo,AntiDiscriminationLawNo.2004/3,Ch.I,Art.2(a)states,Theprincipleofequal treatmentshallmeanthatthereshallbenodirectorindirectdiscriminationagainstanypersonorpersons, basedonsex,gender,age,maritalstatus,language,mentalorphysicaldisability,sexualorientation,political affiliationorconviction,ethnicorigin,nationality,religionorbelief,race,socialorigin,property,birthorany otherstatus. 109 CouncilorEurope(CoE)ActionPlanProposalonViolenceAgainstWomeninEurope(1998). 110 KPS,KWNsurvey,2008. 45
108
to regular schools, and this affects their ability to find employment and makes them economicallydependentonothers.111 Interviewswithrepresentativesoforganizationsassistingpeoplewithspecialneeds likeHandikosandtheBlindAssociationofWomenindicatethatviolenceisquiteprevalent. Representatives had encountered numerous cases of violence, especially against women and children.112 They reported cases of psychological, physical, and sexual violence in domesticrelationships.InPrizren,theHandikosrepresentativesaidmorethan50percentof the1,022peopleregisteredasof2007hadsuffereddomesticviolence,usuallypsychological violence.113 Every week she encountered cases where people with special needs were constantly criticized by other family members, called names, sworn at, isolated, made to feel guilty all the time, had decisions made for them without their consent, had their pensionspentbyotherfamilymembers,orwerethreatenedthattheywouldberemoved from their home. Handikos helped find shelter for people ousted from their homes by familymembers.AKPSofficerfromPrizrencommented,Familiesareveryviolenttowards [peoplewithmentaldisabilities].Therearealotofcases.114 InPrishtina,Handikosestimatedthatapproximately20percentoftheir600women members were victims of psychological violence. They had additional cases of economic violence, where their income was used by family members. Handikos reported that some familiesmarriedyoungwomenwithdisabilitiestooldermenoragainsttheirwill.Somemen livedwithhandicappedwomen,butrefusedtobemarriedlegally.Insuchsituations,women didnothavelegalrightstoproperty;mencouldmarryotherwomen;andattimeswomen wereusedonlytoreproduce.Theyalsousehandicappedwomen,marryingthemonlyto give birth to children and then not allowing them to take care of their children because husbandswerealreadymarriedtootherwomen,Handikosrepresentativessaid.115There are cases when children didnt know a handicapped woman was their mother. Without property,iftheywantedtoleavethehousehold,theycouldlosecustodyoftheirchildren. Representatives of the Blind Association of Women also said that every day they encounteredblindpeoplewhosefamiliesisolatedthem,madedecisionsforthemwithout askingthem,andrefusedtogivethemmoneywhentheyneededit. Duetotheirphysicalandpsychologicalhealthsituation,peoplewithdisabilitiesmay have problems communicating, physical difficulties reporting violence or gaining access to support services. Handikos representatives recommended implementing current law and ensuring that people with disabilities have access to equal rights, including inheritance of property, equal access to education, employment opportunities perhaps through tax incentives for businesses, representation in the government, and infrastructure allowing free movement (e.g., wheelchair accessibility to all buildings). They also recommended making shelter available to persons with disabilities. Further data collection about the extentofviolenceandtheparticularneedsofpeoplewithdisabilitiescouldhelpNGOsand thegovernmentbetterplanassistanceprograms.
UNICEF,SituationAnalysis,75. HandikosisaNGOwithbrancheslocatedthroughoutKosovo.Sincethe1990s,theorganizationhasworked toregisterpeoplewithdisabilitiesandoffersamultitudeofeducational,sports,andtherapyprograms. Handikoshasawomansbranchandanumberofbranchofficesareledbywomendedicatedtoassisting womenandchildren.Formoreinformation,contactKWN. 113 Psychologicalandeconomicviolenceweremorecommonthanphysicalviolence,shesaid. 114 KPSinPrizren,KWNsurvey,2008. 115 HandikosPrishtina,KWNsurvey,June2008.
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ViolenceagainstPeopleBecauseofTheirSexualOrientation Violence against sexual minorities has only recently been discussed publicly in Kosovo.116 Although the AntiDiscrimination Law specifically mentions sexual minorities as protected,117 persons who identify as homosexual often experience psychological violence at home, according to Elysium organization. A representative provided the example of a youngmanwhosefamilyconstantlypressuredhimtomarry.Asaresult,hewasforcedto leavehisfamily.Eveniftheirfamiliesdonotknowtheirsexualorientation,familymembers mayspeaknegativelyabouthomosexualityandoffendthem,Elysiumrepresentativessaid. Some homosexuals also experience physical violence when their family learns their sexual orientation.118 An activist dealing with this issue said homosexuals whose families force themtomarryagainsttheirwillsuffersexualviolencefromtheirpartners.Theyexperience economicviolenceiftheyrefusetomarrybecausetheirfamiliesdonotsharepropertywith them.Shetoldofayoungmanwhowasoustedfromhishomebyhisfamilyandsuffered continuousphysicalviolencefromhisbrother.Forawhilehewashomelessandasaresult was forced to discontinue his education. After being sheltered by the Centre for Social Emancipation, he secured asylum in the United States. They emphasized the need for education campaigns that violence against homosexual family members is still violence prosecutablebylaw. 8. WhoAretheAbusers?PersonsMostLikelytoPerpetrateDomesticViolence Ingeneral,institutionshavemaintainedmoreinformationaboutvictimsthanperpetrators of violence. Yet, information about perpetrators and the reasons they use violence is essential for the government and NGOs to plan targeted, effective prevention and rehabilitationprograms.Theonlyclearconclusionthatcanbedrawfromtheexistingdatais thatperpetratorsofviolencetendtobemen.AccordingtoKPSrecordsfrom2006to2007, 91.1percentoftheperpetratorsofdomesticviolenceweremen,andonly8.9percentwere women. Of the perpetrators, 81.9 percent were Albanian, 9.9 percent Serb, 0.7 percent Turk, 1.9 percent Bosnian, 3.8 percent Roma/Ashkali, 0.4 percent Goran, and 1.5 percent other. A census as well as further indepth research is needed to accurately deduce whetherviolenceismorepresentinanyparticularethnicgroup. EightyeightpercentofthewomenKWNinterviewedin2007hadsufferedviolence at the hands of an intimate partner or former husband, 10 percent by other family members,andonewomanbyherchild.119Eightytwopercentwerelivingwiththeirabusers atthetimeoftheviolence,80percentwerehurtbeforebythesameabuser,and91percent had suffered violence from the same abuser numerous times in the year prior. Similarly, according to KPS records from 2006 and 2007, husbands were by far the most likely categoryofpersonsto perpetratedomesticviolence,comprisingmorethan56percentof perpetrators.120
AfilmproducedbyCrossingBridges,BeyondtheRainbow,presentedthelivedexperiencesofhomosexuals inKosovo(2007).ThepremierscreeningofthefilminKosovowasfollowedbyadebateonthetopic. 117 AssemblyofKosovo,AntiDiscriminationLawNo.2004/3,Ch.I,Art.2(a). 118 ElysiumandCentreforSocialEmancipation,KWNsurvey,2008. 119 KWN,ExploratoryResearch,19. 120 Of2,430relationshipsrecordedbyKPSin2006and2007,otherrelationshipsbetweenperpetratorsand victimsincluded:groom/bridesfather,stepfather/orphan,stepmother/orphan,aunt/nephew, grandfather/nephew,uncle/niece,uncle/nephew,mother/daughter,sisterinlaw,father/daughter/son, cohabitatingpartners,exhusband,fatherinlaw/bride,father/daughter,mother/son,sisterinlaw/brotherin law,motherinlaw/bride,father/uncle,sister/brother,brother/brother,parent/child,husband, 47
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TheperpetratorsofviolenceagainstpersonsknowntoKWNsurveyrespondentsin 2008 were also primarily male partners.121 Among the 362 survey respondents who answered who perpetrated violence against them, the majority (58 percent) had suffered violencefromtheirfathersand40.9percentfromtheirmothers(seeGraph2.9).Notably, male respondents were more than twiceas likelyas female respondents to have suffered violence from their fathers. Women and men also suffered violence from their brothers (15.5 percent). Respondents (17.4 percent) also suffered violence from their partners. Womenwereninetimesmorelikelytosufferviolencefromtheirpartnersthanmen.Other perpetratorsofviolenceweremotherinlaws,fatherinlaws,sisterinlaws,sisters,brother inlaws, uncles, and stepfathers, among others (e.g., cousins, grandmothers, grandfathers, anddaughters).
Graph2.9PerpetratorsofDom esticV iolence,accordingtoSurveyRespondentsW hoSuffered V iolence
W ome nRe sponde nts M e nRe sponde nts W ome nand Me nRe sponde nts Se rie s4
21 0
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146
56
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72 76
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14 1 4 9 10 9 8 8 2 1 3 1 2.8% 2.5% 2 2 4 1.1% 3 2 5 1.4% 0 2.2% 4 5 2.5% 0 3.9%
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25 31 15.5% 6 17.4% 40.9% 58.0%
1 7.7%
Othe r
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Researchelsewhereintheworldhassuggestedthatalcoholismanddrugabusecanincreasethe likelinessofviolence.122Thereforesomegovernmentsrequireinstitutionslikepoliceandsocial workers to maintain data on the extent to which alcohol and drugs are involved in domestic disputes.123SinceinstitutionshavenotcollectedthisinformationindatabasesinKosovo,itis difficulttoknowexactlytheextenttowhichperpetratorsorvictimsofdomesticviolencemay have been using alcohol and/or drugs. However, many respondents to the KWN survey
grandmother/grandfather/groom,sister,sisterinlaw/sisterinlaw,aunt/niece,cousin/cousin,engaged, nephew/uncleandothercombinationsoftheaforementionedrelationships.Therecordsdidnotmakeclear whoperpetratedtheviolenceintheserelationships. 121 Again,womenvictimsofdomesticviolenceknownbyrespondentswerefarmorelikelythanmentosuffer violencefromtheirpartners;while221womensufferedviolencefromtheirhusbands,only20mensuffered violencefromtheirwives.Otherperpetratorsofviolenceagainstpersonsknownbyrespondentsincluded fathers,brothersorbrotherinlaws,sons,mothers,motherinlaws,fatherinlaws,anddaughters,among others. 122 Inregardstoalcohol,seeforexampleB.Ollett,Alcoholandcrime:aWomensAidPerspective:Causesof DomesticViolenceFromProblemstoSolutions,AlcoholandCrimeconferenceproceedings,AlcoholAction Wales(1994);B.M.QuigleyandK.E.Leonard,AlcoholandtheContinuationofEarlyMaritalAggression, Alcoholism:ClinicalandExperimentalResearch,Vol.24(7)(ResearchSocietyonAlcoholism,2000),10031010; H.R.WhiteandPHChen,Problemsdrinkingandintimatepartnerviolence,JournalofStudiesonAlcohol,63 (2002),205214. 123 IntheUnitedStates,forexample,thisisstandardpracticeandisincludedonstandardinstitutionalforms, includingformsusedbynongovernmentalshelterssupportedtotallyorinpartbythegovernment. 48
Brothe rin law
Siste r
Siste rin Fathe rin M othe rin Brothe r law law law
Partne r
M othe r
Fathe r
attributedviolencetoalcohol.Forexample,awomanwhohaddivorcedherhusbandsaidshe hadsurvivedpsychological,physical,andeconomicviolence.Herhusbandwhowasanalcoholic beat her.124 Another woman said, My expartner beat me with belt, but I dont consider it domestic violence because we were not married. He drank a lot. He didnt have a limit on drinking,Ivebeenavictimofphysicalandpsychologicalviolence.125 Personswhohaveexperiencedviolencemayalsobemorelikelytoperpetrateviolence. Men who suffered violence during childhood or the war126 may use violence against family members. Women may perpetrate violence against husbands who have repeatedly abused them.Forexample,aSSOdescribedacase: Afteraconflicttheyhadinfrontoftheirchildren,thewifewasmakinglunchandher husbandwasarguingwithher.Shedidntknowwhattodo,sosheswattedhislegwith the knife. The policewereinformedabout the case,and the wife wasimprisoned for threemonthswithoneyearprobation.[S]hewasavictimofdomesticviolencebefore. Her husband was violent with her, but she never called the police. The wife was maltreatedbyherhusbandtothepointthatherjawbonewasbroken.127 In other countries, battered women syndrome or battered person syndrome where sufferingfromrepeatedviolenceleadsavictimtouseviolenceagainstothers,hasbeenusedin legaldefenceofpersons,usuallywomen,accusedofcrimeslikephysicalassaultormurder.128 Researchconductedelsewherehasalsosuggestedthatabusedchildrenaremorelikely to become perpetrators of violence than children who have not suffered violence.129 A respondenttotheKWNsurveydescribedsuchacase,Myneighbourwhoisabout37yearsold now was beaten by his father and brother. Now he has psychological and health problems. Policecameandtookthebrother.Hisfatherdied,buthe(theneighbour)nowisverydangerous forotherchildren.130Nolongitudinalresearchexaminingwhetherabusedchildrenaremoreor lesslikelytoperpetrateviolencethanotherchildrenexistsinKosovo,butcouldbeconductedby trainedprofessionalsinthefuture.131
Serbianwomanage3645fromStrpcemunicipality. Serbianwomanage4655fromMitrovicamunicipality.AnothermansaidheknewacasewhereThe violencehappenedbecauseherhusbandusedtodrinkalcohol.Heusedtoviolateher.Hiswifereportedthe violencetothepoliceandafterthatherhusbandchangedhisbehaviourpositively(Albanianmanage1825 fromPeja). 126 MaryAnnLiebert,Women,warandviolence:SurvivingtheExperience,JournalofWomensHealth,Vol. 17,Nr.5(2008),793. 127 SSOs,Ferizaj,KWNsurvey,2008.Thiscasealsoseemstoillustrateinequalityinasystemthatpunishedthe womanfortheviolencesheperpetrated,butnottheman,thoughbothperpetratedcrimes. 128 Awidebodyofliteratureanddebateisavailableregardingbatteredpersonandespeciallybatteredwoman syndrome.See,forexample,D.L.RothandE.M.Coles,Batteredwomansyndrome:aconceptualanalysisof itsstatusvisavisDSMIVmentaldisorders,MedicineandLaw.Vol.14(78)(1995),641658. 129 SeeBell,1995;Rosenbaum&OLeary,1981;Rivera&Widom,1990;Shakoor&Chalmers,1991;and Widom,1989. 130 Albanianwomanage5666fromLipjanmunicipality. 131 Researchersmustbehighlyqualifiedandpassareviewprocessforresearchwithhumansubjectstoensure theirresearchwillminimizeharmtothepersonsstudied.Unfortunately,Kosovodoesnotcurrentlyhavea boardforreviewingresearchpractices,andtheresearchconductedwithhumansubjectsmaybeharmingor (re)traumatizingthem.Itwouldbeadvisableforthegovernmenttoimmediatelyestablishsuchareview committeecomprisedoftrained,unbiasedprofessionalswithastrongtrackrecordinconductingquality researchtoreviewallresearchwithhumansubjectsconductedinKosovo.
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CHAPTER3 THECONSEQUENCESOFDOMESTICVIOLENCE
Thenegativeimpactofviolenceonpeoplesandespeciallywomenspsychological,physical, and reproductive health has been welldocumented internationally.1 As early as 1993, a WorldDevelopmentReportstatedviolencewasasseriousacauseofdeathandincapacity amongwomenofreproductiveageascancer,andagreatercauseofillhealththantraffic accidents and malaria combined.2 The World Health Assembly declared violence a public healthpriorityin1996,afterwhichtheWorldHealthOrganizationanalyzedandreportedon thehealthimplicationsofvariousformsofviolence,includingdomesticviolence.3 Long after the immediate, shortterm physical injuries of domestic violence have healed, violence can contribute to chronic health problems. Following their study in Latin America and the Caribbean, Morrison, Ellsberg, and Bott found injuries previously consideredthemostcommonoutcomeofviolencerepresentonlythetipoftheiceberg, andthatviolenceismoreappropriatelyconceptualizedasariskfactorforhealthproblems than as a health condition in itself.4 Prior research around the world has illustrated how violence can impact acute and chronic pain;5 chronic irritable bowel syndrome;6 gastrointestinal, muscular, reproductive, and urinary systems;7 hypertension;8 and psychological state.9 Sexual violence, whether or not it occurs in a domestic relationship, can contribute to chronic pelvic pain; fibroids; infertility; pain during menstruation or intercourse; pelvic inflammatory disease; sexual dysfunction; urinary tract infections; vaginal discharge, bleeding, or infection;10 sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS;11 and unwanted pregnancy.12 Victims mechanisms for coping with domestic violence may involve anger, anxiety, emotional withdrawal, denial, impulsivity, aggressiveness, apprehension, posttraumatic stress disorder, fear, hypervigilance, eating disorders,sleepdisorders,substanceabuse,depression,andevensuicide.13
See,WWCetal.,10.ThefirsttwoparagraphsdrawfromKWN,ExploratoryResearch,34. CitedinWWCetal.,10. 3 E.Krug,J.Mercy,L.Dahlberg,A.Zwi,Theworldreportonviolenceandhealth,TheLancet,Vol.360,Iss. 9339,pp.10831088. 4 AddressingGenderBasedViolenceintheLatinAmericanandCaribbeanRegion:ACriticalReviewof Interventions,citedbyWWCetal. 5 Grisso,Wishner,Schwarz,andWeene1991;MullermanLenaghan,andPakieser,1996;VarvaroandLaska 1993.GoldbergandTomlanovich1984;Campbell,SnowJones,Dienemann,Kub,Schollenberger,OCampo, Gielen,andWynne2002;Coker,Smith,Bethea,King,andMcKeown,2000,citedinWWCetal.,10. 6 Drossman,Leserman,Nachman,Li,Gluck,Toomey,Mitchell1990;Leserman,Li,Drossman,Hu,1998,citedin WWCetal.,11. 7 Martinez,GarciaLinares,andPicoAlfons2003,citedinWWCetal.,10. 8 Rodriguez1989;Cokeretal.2000;Letourneau,Holmes,ChasedunnRoark1999,citedinWWCetal.,11. 9 Coker2000,citedinWWCetal.,10. 10 Campbelletal.2002,citedinWWCetal.,11. 11 Campbelletal.2002;WattsandZimmerman2002,citedinWWCetal.,11. 12 Campbell2002;Watts&Zimmerman,2002,citedinWWCetal.,11. 13 ChildWelfareInformationGateway,TheImpactofDomesticViolenceonVictims,NotAlone, eNotalone.com,2008,athttp://www.enotalone.com/article/10003.html.
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Despite the welldocumented negative impact of violence, states have given domesticviolencecomparativelylessattentionthanotherhealthconcerns,perhapsdueto the aforementioned perception that domestic violence is a private rather than a public matter.However,asthischapterwilldemonstrate,poorhealthresultingfromthisprivate issue can impact negatively upon the broader society. The consequences of domestic violence on the individual, family, and society in Kosovo have been little considered previously.Understandingtheseconsequencescanhelpinstitutionsdevelopprotectionand rehabilitation programs. Toward this end, this chapter draws from the existing literature internationally, as well as initial findings in Kosovo to examine the consequences of domestic violence on persons who experience violence (section one), their children and families(sectiontwo),andsocietyasawhole,includinginstitutions(sectionthree). 1. ConsequencesforPersonsWhoSufferDomesticViolence Oneofthemostobviousconsequencesofdomesticviolenceispoorhealth.KWNconducted thefirstindepthexaminationofhowgenderbasedviolenceimpactswomensreproductive health in 2007. Following indepth interviews with women who had experienced gender Kosovarwomenwhohadexperienced based violence, primarily in domestic domesticviolenceinterviewedbyKWN relationships, 80 percent reported health in2007describednumeroushealth problems that resulted directly from violence. problems: Women had suffered a plethora of health problems, including bruising; [Ihadabrokenarm,washurtbya headaches/migraines; hypertension (high knife,andmanyandoften blood pressure); nervousness; fear; body haematomascoveredmyentirebody. injuries; bruised/injured face and eyes; depression; unconsciousness (with one Ihadadeformedface,bruisedand respondentbeingunconsciousforthreedays); swolleneyesandlipsfromthehitting. broken arms; hand injuries; kidney problems; [Ihadamiscarriage]inmythird continual bleeding; head injuries; inability to monthofpregnancy.Myhusbandbeat concentrate or work; insomnia; low self me.Hepunchedmeinthestomach esteem; body and breast pain; a lack of andforthreedaysIwasbleeding,and immunity to disease; anaemia, attempted afterthatthedoctorstoldmethatI suicide;backpain;breathingproblems;broken hadamiscarriage. vertebra;chestpain;chronichiccups;deafness resulting from an ear injury; diabetes; an Fromthekicking[ofmyabdomen] irregular menstrual cycle; dizziness; gastritis; thatIexperienced,Ihada hate; heart problems; injuries to extremities; [spontaneous]abortionbecausemy knifewounds;lossof desiretolive;lowblood husbanddidnttrustthatthebabywas his. pressure; miscarriages; panic attacks; scars; sweating;thyroidglanddisease;tiredness;and 14 Source:KWN,ExploratoryResearch,41 trauma. Further, 77 percent of the professionalsworkinginCSWs,VAAD,KPS,and
ListedingraphinKWN,ExploratoryResearch,39.ThehandbookforSSOsondomesticviolencelists numerousphysicalsymptomsofdomesticviolence,whichcouldbeusedtoidentifyvictimsofviolence.It includestheaforementionedaswellascutsandsprains,selfinflictedcutting,generalorpsychogenicpain, damagetotheanus,andskinirritations(OSCEandMLSW,15). 52
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healthclinicshadseenwomenwithpoorhealthresultingfromviolence.15 AsGraph3.1illustrates,the358respondentstotheKWNKosovowidesurveywho knewapersonexperiencingdomesticviolencesaidthenegativeresultsofviolenceonthat personincluded:injuries(sufferedby196knownpersons);psychologicalhealthissueslike sleeplessness, constant fear, and guilt (163); an inability to care for him/herself (24); incapacity to care for children (22); an inability to work, impacting the persons economic situation(19);discontinuationofeducation(13);attemptedsuicide(5);consideredsuicide (4);familyproblems(4);selfisolationorasocialbehaviour(4);divorce(2);andotherhealth problems.Onerespondentknewapersonwhodiedasaresultofdomesticviolence. Survey respondents who had suffered violence themselves said violence caused: psychologicalproblems(54respondents),injuries(41),aninabilitytocareforchildren(10), attempted suicide (7), an inability to care for themselves (5), discontinued education (5), contemplated suicide (2), and divorce. Fortynine respondents had health problems resulting from domestic violence, including depression, headaches, high blood pressure, anger, constant fear, bruising, miscarriages, and other injuries. However, of the 54 respondents who reported having serious injuries, only 38.9 percent went to the doctor. Two respondents did not go to the doctor because the perpetrator physically prevented them. KWNs prior research also showed that women experiencing violence are routinely prevented from seeking medical attention.16 Health problems may be exacerbated by victimslackofaccesstomedicalfacilitiesduetotheirgeographiclocationinruralareasorif they are financially dependent on other family members or abusers. Delayed medical attention or untreated injuries can allow health problems to worsen with time, further incapacitatingvictims.
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KWN,ExploratoryResearch,34. KWN,ExploratoryResearch,2932. 53
Graph3.1PerceivedNegativeImpactofViolenceonKnownPersonExperiencingViolence
Died Divorce Otherhealthproblems Asocial/isolation Problemsinthefamily Thoughtaboutsuicide Attemptedsuicide Stoppededucation Cannotwork,whichimpactseconomicsituation Unabletocareforchildren Unabletocareforself Psychologicalproblems Injuries 1 2 3 4 4 4 5 13 19 22 24 163 196
Psychologicalandhealthproblemsresultingfromviolencecanleadtodaysmissedat 17 work, a lack of productivity, and resulting economic problems. As chapter five further discusses, domestic violence may also impact a persons ability to contribute to decision makingwithinthefamily;respondentswhoexperienceddomesticviolencefounditdifficult to discuss with other family members things that were important to them.18 A lack of decisionmaking power can mean, for example, that victims are pressured to have more childrenthantheywant.19 2. ConsequencesonChildrenandtheFamily20 In addition to suffering similar consequences to their psychological and physical health as their adult counterparts, childrens development and life circumstances can be impacted negatively by domestic violence as well. Survey respondents who suffered domestic violence during their childhood were less likely to have a university level education than persons who did not experience violence.21 Since educational attainment impacts
TheNationalAdvisoryCouncilonViolenceagainstWomen,ViolenceagainstWomenOffice,U.S.Department ofJusticeEndingViolenceAgainstWomen:AnAgendafortheNation. 18 Similarly,respondentswhosefamilymembersyelledatthem,sworeatthem,ormadethemfeelverybad everymonthconsidereditdifficulttospeakwithotherfamilymembersaboutimportantmatters. 19 Respondentswhoexperiencedphysicalviolencetendedtohavemorethanthreechildren.KWNhasalso foundevidencethatwomenwhoexperiencephysicalviolencemaybepressuredtohavemorechildrenthan theywant(ExploratoryResearch,28). 20 MimozaGashicontributedtoresearchinganddraftingthissection. 21 Respondentswhosefamilymemberspurposelydestroyedfurnitureordishesduringtheirchildhoodtended tohavelessthanasecondaryschooleducation. 54
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employment opportunities,22 they were also more likely to be unemployed and have low totalhouseholdincomeslaterinlife.Respondentswhohadbeenpunishedwithastickor beltintheirchildhoodfounditdifficulttodiscussissuesimportanttothemwithotherfamily members,potentiallycontributingtoalackofdecisionmakingpowerwithintheirfamilies. Personswhosufferedviolenceintheirchildhoodwerealsomorelikelytoexperience violence during their lifetime than other respondents. For example, an elderly woman described the violence she suffered as a child, which continued when she married her husband. The woman considered it normal that her husband beat her and that parents beat their children.23 Children who witness or experience violence may think violence is a method for resolving arguments or conflicts within the family.24 Children may later use violenceagainsttheirpartners,children,andotherfamilymembers,perpetuatingviolence fromgenerationtogeneration.25Indeed,surveyrespondentswhowerepunishedphysically in their childhood (spanked with hand, belt, or stick) tended to punish their children the same way. Children at school or in the neighbourhood may suffer the consequences of domestic violence as well through bullying from children who have witnessed or experiencedviolence.26 Domesticviolencecanalsoimpairaparentsabilitytonurtureherorhischildren.In homes where domestic violence occurs in the U.S., children are physically abused and neglectedatarate15timeshigherthanthenationalaverage.27AccordingtoUNICEF,The behavioralandpsychologicalconsequencesofgrowingupinaviolenthomecanbejustas devastating for children who are not directly abused themselves.28 Of the survey respondents who experienced violence at home, nearly 30 percent (102 people) said childrenhadseenorheardtheviolence.Isawviolencehappeninginmyfamily,ayoung womanrecalled.29Iwasveryyoung.Myfatherbeatmymom.Igrewupwithproblems.I was emotionally hurt when I saw my parents arguing I used to cry until I felt better. Children who witness domestic violenceare athigher riskof anxiety,depression, violence toward others, drug abuse, alcoholism, prostitution, committing sexual crimes, and attemptedsuicide.30AccordingtoHaiman:
Seechapterfive. WidowedSerbianwomanolderthan66fromZubinPotokmunicipality. 24 UNICEFInnocentiResearchCentre,DomesticViolenceagainstWomenandGirls(Florence,Italy:June 2000),12. 25 Domesticviolence,SocialLearningTheory.Seealso,JanetPhillips,ParliamentofAustralia,Domestic ViolenceinAustraliaanoverviewoftheissues,EBrief:OnlineOnly,7August2003,updatedbySeptember 2006,http://www.aph.gov.au/library/intguide/SP/Dom_Violence.htm. 26 Phillips. 27 J.Osofsky,TheImpactofViolenceonChildren.TheFutureofChildren:DomesticViolenceandChildren (1999)9(3):3349. 28 DomesticViolenceagainstchildren,athttp://www.unicef.org/sowc07/docs/sowc07_panel_2_1.pdf,1. 29 Albanianwomanage1825fromPodujevamunicipality. 30 P.JaffeandM.Sudermann,ChildWitnessofWomenAbuse:ResearchandCommunityResponses,inStith, S.andStraus,M.,UnderstandingPartnerViolence:Prevalence,Causes,Consequences,andSolutions.Families inFocusServices,Vol.II.Minneapolis,MN:NationalCouncilonFamilyRelations,1995;Wolfe,D.A.,Wekerle, C.,Reitzel,D.andGough,R.,StrategiestoAddressViolenceintheLivesofHighRiskYouth.InPeled,E.,Jaffe, P.G.andEdleson,J.L.(eds.),EndingtheCycleofViolence:CommunityResponsestoChildrenofBattered Women.NewYork:SagePublications.1995.BothcitedinGettheFactsDomesticViolenceandHealth Care,2008FamilyViolencePreventionFund.
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The childs development of an emotional attachment to a primary caregiver in the firstsixyearsoflifeisveryimportant.Adisturbanceinthisdevelopmentcancreate problems in childhood, adolescence, and adult life. Behaviors fundamental to personal and interpersonal wellbeing are involved. Examples of these are: 1) the abilitytocreatedeepandenduringloverelationships;2)thestrengthtotoleratethe imperfect satisfaction of personal needs; 3) the attitudes and desire to cooperate withothers;and4)themotivationtolearnandwork.31 KWNspriorresearchwithadultvictimsofviolenceinKosovohasdemonstratedtheimpact ofviolenceontheirabilitytomaintainlovingrelationships,interactwithothers,andwork.32 ItseemspracticaltosuggestthatthesamemightbetrueforKosovarchildrenexperiencing violence.Divorceandseparationcanalsoimpactchildgrowth.33 Thus, domestic violence should not and can not be treated as an isolated, private issue.Theconsequencesofdomesticviolencereachbeyondtheindividualleveltothreaten the security and wellbeing of children and other family members. As children who are abusedorwitnessabusemaybemorelikelytouseviolenceagainstothers,includingsexual assault and other crimes, domestic violence can also impact society, as the next section illustrates. A better understanding of the consequences of violence on children and the familycanenableinstitutionstopreparebetterresponsesforaddressingtheconsequences ofviolenceandpotentiallypreventingfutureviolence. 3. ConsequencesonSociety,includingGovernmentalInstitutions In addition to impacting children and the family, domestic violence has consequences for society.AstheInternationalRescueCommitteehaswritten,Whilegenderbasedviolence oftentakesplaceintheprivatesphere,ithasanindirectbutdramaticimpactonacountrys health care system, and places a severe burden on the national workforce. 34 However, perhaps due to the aforementioned interpretations of violence as a private issue, governmentsrarelyconsiderviolenceapublichealthissue.35 Domesticviolenceincurscostsforpoliceincludingtimespentonarrests,responding toreportsofdomesticviolence,andinvestigations.36Thejusticesystemfinancestemporary detention following arrests, the costs of imprisonment, prosecution, and court cases. Prevention and protection programs can involve additional costs, including social services likeshelterforwomenandchildren;preventionandadvocacyprograms;jobskillstraining for victims; and training programs for social services officers, police, doctors, the justice system,andmedia.Thehealthsystemprovidesemergencyroomcare,medicaltreatment, hospitalization,andsometimespsychologicalcounselling.Domesticviolencecanimpactthe
PeterHaiman,ProtectingaChildsEmotionalDevelopmentWhenParentsDivorce,TheNaturalChild Project(2007),at:http://www.naturalchild.org/guest/peter_haiman3.html. 32 KWN,ExploratoryResearch,478. 33 Secondtothedeathofaparentorsibling,researchershavefoundthatthelargestcauseofstressfor childrenisdivorceandmaritalseparation(JamesH.Humphrey,HelpingChildrenManageStress:AGuidefor Adults,1516).Problemsbetweenparentscanalsocausestressamongchildren,accordingtoHumphrey. 34 IRCwebsite,AddressingGenderbasedViolence,at http://www.theirc.org/media/www/addressing_genderbased_violence_1.html,accessed9December2007. 35 LoriHeise,Genderbasedabuse:theglobalepidemic.Cad.SadePblicavol.10suppl.1.Riode Janeiro,1994. 36 ThisparagraphsdrawsfromUNICEFInnocentiResearchCentre. 56
31
economy by decreasing participation in the labour market, reducing productivity at work, contributing to lower earnings, and draining social assistance programs. Children who performpoorlyinschoolasaresultofviolenceandhavetorepeatgradesincurcostsforthe educationsystem.37Violenceinthefamilycanalsoaffectchildrenscapacitytolearn,which impacts their future employability. Further, domestic violence can erode social capital, decrease citizens participation in democratic processes, affect a countrys economic and socialdevelopment,andnegativelyimpacttheoverallqualityoflife.38 When all the aforementioned costs are added together, research has shown that domesticviolencecancostacountrybillionsofdollarsannually.InCanada,theCentrefor Research on Violence against Women and Children calculated that costs resulting from criminal violence against women carried an annual price tag of $4.2 billion.39 More specifically, domestic violence cost Canadian institutions dealing with social services and education $2.4 billion per year, the criminal justice system $872 million, labour and employment $577 million, and health and medical institutions $408 million.40 The governmentcovered87.5percentofthesecosts,or$3.7billionannually. Better data collection on behalf of institutions and further research would be required to calculate the costs of domestic violence to institutions in Kosovo. However, it seemsplausibletosuggestthatpresentprogramsrelatedtodomesticviolenceindeedcost theGovernmentofKosovoandtaxpayers,suchastrainingprovidedtoSSOsatCSWs,KPS officers, judges, and shelter staff; financing the KPS Domestic Violence Unit; emergency room and health centre costs; the involvement of CSWs in protecting children and other victims of domestic violence; VAAD and Ministry of Justice expenditures for documenting andprocessingcases,proceduralexpensesliketranslation,authorisedrepresentation,legal counselling, and other juridical costs; sheltering victims; education costs for children repeatingschooling;andsocialassistancecoststopersonsincapacitatedorunabletoearn moneyasaresultofviolence.Thus,domesticviolenceinKosovoimpactsthebudgetsofthe MinistryofHealth,MinistryofLabourandSocialWelfare,andMinistryofJustice,aswellas the overall Kosovo Consolidated Budget. As IRC has concluded, The importance of addressing genderbased violence is therefore not only related to the physical and psychologicalwellbeingofwomenandgirls,buttotheeconomicandsocialwelfareofany givencommunityandnation.41

TheInterAmericanDevelopmentBankfoundforexampleinNicaraguathat63percentofchildrenlivingin familieswherewomensufferviolencehaveretakengradesatschool.Further,theytendedtodiscontinuetheir educationatage9comparedtochildrenofwomenwhodidnotsufferextremeviolencewhotendedtostop schoolatage12(InterAmericanDevelopmentBankandJohnsHopkinsUniversityPress,Tooclosetohome: DomesticViolenceintheAmericas,LoertoBiehl,AndrewMorrison,1999). 38 Ibid. 39 NationalCrimePreventionCouncil,SafetyandSavings:CrimePreventionthroughSocialDevelopment (Canada:March1996),23. 40 AlsoinAustralia,violenceincurscostsforthecommunity,suchasjusticeforperpetratorsandmedical treatmentforvictims(Phillips). 41 IRCwebsite,AddressingGenderbasedViolence. 57
37
58
CHAPTER4
CITIZENSRESPONSE:THEMETHODSCITIZENSUSE ANDPROPOSEFORENDINGVIOLENCEORREDUCING ITSCIRCUMSTANCES

This chapter draws from the Kosovowide survey to identify methods citizens use to end violenceortoreduceitsconsequences.Afterdiscussinghowcitizensdealwithviolence,the chapter provides information regarding citizens knowledge of assistance programs available. It then presents citizens perceptions as to which factors contribute to violence and finally their ideas as to how governmental institutions and nongovernmental organizations could contribute to decreasing domestic violence and its consequences in Kosovo.
1. HowCitizensDealwithViolenceandCitizensKnowledgeaboutAssistanceAvailable Thepeoplerespondentsknewtobeexperiencingviolencereducedpainprimarilybytalking tootherfamilymembersorfriends.Seventycalledthepolice,63weredivorced,51visiteda doctor, 41 saw a psychologist or psychiatrist, and 35 went to live elsewhere for a while. Fewerwenttoshelters,cried,wentforwalks,refusedtocommunicatewiththeperpetrator, ordivertedtheirattentionbyworking.Someknownpersonshadunhealthywaysofdealing with violence like isolating themselves from others. Worryingly, three respondents said people should not do anything to reduce the consequences of violence; women should accepttherealityofviolenceinlifeand/orobeytheirhusbandsinordertopreventfuture violence,theysaid. While 18.3 percent of respondents experiencing violence said nothing made them feelbetter,17percentsaidtalkingtofamilymembers,16.5percentsaidtalkingtofriends, and16.5percentsaiddoingsomethingwiththeirhandslikesewinghelpedthemfeelbetter. Respondents also slept, lived elsewhere for a while, cried, talked to a psychologist or psychiatrist,senttheperpetratortojail,gotadivorce,listenedtomusic,read,orwentto school. Nearly half the respondents did not tell anyone about the violence they were experiencing.Onethirdtoldanotherfamilymember,16.5percenttoldafriend,andafew respondentstoldpolice,doctors,psychologists,orpsychiatrists.Overall,thesurveyfindings indicate that people experiencing violence are more likely to seek help from family membersorfriendsthaninstitutions.Thereforeoutreacheffortsshouldalsotargetpeople whocouldpotentiallyassistvictimsofviolence.
59
Graph4.1AregulationagainstdomesticviolenceexistsinKosovo
603
435 331 272 264 171 121 77 38 39 6 5 11 Disagree Don'tknow 53 68
Agree
SomewhatAgree
SomewhatDisagree
Inordertodeterminerespondentsknowledgeofassistanceavailabletovictimsofviolence, KWNalsoaskedrespondentsiftheyknewwhereapersoncouldgethelpifsheorhewas experiencing violence. Approximately twothirds of the respondents knew a person could get help from police.1 Fifteen percent said another familymember and 2.3 percent said a friend.Worryingly,only13.2percentofrespondentsmentionedtheCentreforSocialWork (CSW), 7.4 percent a nongovernmental organization or shelter, 4.0 percent a Victim Advocate,1.2percentapsychologistorpsychiatrist,andlessthanonepercentmentioneda doctor.Fourteenpercentofrespondentscouldnotthinkofasingleplacewheresomeone suffering violence could get help, and a few respondents said a person should deal with violence inside the family. This illustrates the need for more community outreach and awarenessraising efforts to inform citizens regarding the services available from institutions.2 Underreporting of violence to institutions may be attributed in part to a lack of awareness regarding assistance available. Slightly more than half the respondents knew a regulationagainstdomesticviolenceexistsinKosovo(seeGraph4.1),but10.6percentsaid sucharegulationdoesnotexistand34.8percentdidnotknowwhetheraregulationexisted ornot.PeopleinLipjan,FusheKosova,andShtimemunicipalitiesinparticulardidnotknow that a regulation exists. Awarenessraising about the regulation should target especially these municipalities, women, people with less than a secondary school education, the unemployed,lowincome,andSerbianandGoranethnicgroups.3While80percentofthe respondents said they would use a law if family violence happened to them, 15 percent wouldnot,andfivepercentdidnotknow.Groupslesslikelytousethelawincludedwomen,
1
Approximately16percentofrespondentsknewapersonwhohadmadeuseofassistanceavailablefrom institutions.In85.8percentofthesecasesthepolicecame,andin40.6percentthepersonlefthis/herhome toresideelsewhere.In19.8percentofthecases,thepersonreceivedassistancefromtheCSW,11.1percent fromaVictimAdvocate,13.9percentotherlegalassistance,and10percentfromawomensorganizationor shelter.Inapproximatelyhalfthecases,theperpetratorwasarrestedandathirdofthecaseswenttocourt. 2 Chaptersixandtherecommendationselaborateuponpotentialawarenessraisingpossibilities. 3 Therewasacorrelationbetweenthesegroupsandtheanswerdontknow. 60
persons with less than a secondary school education, individuals with low income, and peopleinGllogovc,FusheKosova,andDecanmunicipalities.Theunemployedandyounger generations(underage45)weremorelikelytousethelaw. AsGraph4.2illustrates,thereasonsrespondentsgaveastowhytheywouldnotuse the law included: they would solve the problem themselves or within their family (40.7 percent); because of shame (19.2 percent); the policewouldnottakeanyactionorthelawdoes Iwouldnotgotothepolicebecause not function (10.7 percent); a woman should myhusbandwouldleaveme.AlsoI wouldembarrassallmyfamily. withstand violence, not report it (9 percent); lack of trust for police (6.2 percent); reporting Albanianwomanage3645from violence does not have any longterm solution Deanmunicipality or they have no place to go after they report violence(4percent);theywouldstaybecauseof the children (2.3 percent); they would forgive the perpetrator (2.3 percent); or domestic violence would never happen to them (2.3 percent).Mentendedtoanswerthattheywouldsolvetheproblemthemselves.Education campaigns should address issues of shame, myths that woman should bear violence, and makeclearthatassistanceoptionsareavailable.Forwomenmarriedtoabusivehusbands,it is important to ensure that they will maintain custody of their children and that financial options are made available for their survival.4 This is illustrated by a woman respondent whosaidherhusbandbeather.Shedidntvisitthedoctor,butfoundithelpfulandrelaxing totalkwithfamilymembers.Shesaidthatshewouldnevercallthepolicebecauseofshame andherchildren.IwillbearthisviolenceIdontknowhowmuch,shesaid.Idontwant toleavemychildrenbecauseeventhoughhebeatsme,hedoesntbeatmetodeath.Then itwouldbereasonabletocallthepolice.Sheattributedherhusbandsviolencetothebad economicsituation.PovertyistheonlyreasonthatviolencehappenstheseyearsinKosovo society,shesaid.5
4 5
Seechaptersixformoreinformation. Albanianwomanage3645fromPrishtinamunicipality. 61
Graph4.2WhyRespondentsWouldNotUsetheLawinaFamilyViolence Situation
Solvingtheproblemthemselves/within thefamily Becauseofshame
40.7% 19.2% 34 19 16 6.2% 4.0% 7 2.3% 4 2.3% 4 2.3% 4 3.4% 6 11 72
Thepolicewillnottakeanyaction/thelawdoesn't 10.7% Awomanshouldwithstand theviolence Lackoftrustofpolice Nowhereelsetogo/nolongtermsolution Staybecauseofthechildren Iwouldforgivetheperpetrator Domesticviolencewouldneverhappentome Other
9.0%
2. ReducingViolencethroughPrevention:CitizenPerceptionsofFactorsthatContribute toViolenceandHowtoAddressThem The vast majority of respondents attributed domestic violence to the bad economic situation or poor living conditions (55.3 percent), unemployment (54.4 percent), and/or poverty.6 For example, a woman attributed the violence that occurred at her neighbours hometounemployment:Thesonliveswithhisfather,hiswifewhoispregnant,andtheir oneyearold child. He doesnt have a job, so he asks for money from his father. But his fatherdoesntgiveittohim.Sothefatherandhissonstarttofightwitheachother,all becauseofunemploymentuntilsomeonecalledthepolice. As Graph 4.3 illustrates, other major factors contributing to domestic violence, citizens believed, were alcohol (20.5 percent), disagreements or misunderstandings betweencouplesthatbecametoointensive(20.9percent),untreatedtraumafromthewar (17.2 percent), and lack of education (16.3 percent). The groups most likely to attribute violencetothebadeconomicsituationandlackofeducationwerewomenandpeoplefrom Prishtina and Peja. Citizens also mentioned the culture, mentality or tradition; a perpetrators jealousy, anger, frustration, intolerance, bad behaviour, or bad personality; drugs; early or unwanted marriage; the political situation; an unprofessional and corrupt government (especially when corruption enabled perpetrators to go free); immorality; adultery; psychological disorders among perpetrators; inadequate laws for protection or prevention;maleaggression;disrespectforlaw;disrespectforhumanrights;unequalpower relations between age groups and/or genders;7 prostitution; recent social changes in Kosovo; big families living together without enough space; health problems; and a lack of respect for religion. A few respondents said if women knew their place in the family,
Note:thepercentagesdonottotal100percentbecauserespondentslistedmorethanonereason.Whilenot alloftheseissuesareillustratedonthegraph,theywerementionedbycitizensinresponsetootherquestions. 7 Genderinequality;womeninoursocietyareneglectedandnoteducatedenough;menaremorepowerful, anAlbanianmanage4655fromKlinamunicipalitycommented. 62
6
violence would not happen. Men tended to think lack of education and arguments that became too intensive contributed to violence. People with less than a secondary school education and unemployed persons believed unemployment was the main reason, and mostrespondentsunderage45attributedviolencetothebadeconomicsituation.
Graph4.3Respondents'PerceivedMAINReasonorReasonsthatFamilyViolence Happens
Series2 55.3% 54.4% 20.9% 262 20.5% 17.2% 16.3% 204 11.3% 141 9.1% 5.0% 114 63 257 215 Series1
Badeconomicsituation Unemployment Duringarguments thatbecometoointensive Aftersomeonedrinksalcohol Traumafromthewar Lackofeducation Peopleweremarriedagainst theirwill Culture/lackofmorality /mentality /tradition Bigfamilieslivetogetherwithoutenoughspace Person'sIllness Other Jealousy/anger/frustration/intolerance Cheating/Adultery Badbehavior/person
692 681
3.8% 47 3.5% 44 1.9% 24 1.1% 14 0.8% 10
Identifying potential causes of domestic violence can be useful for planning more strategicresponses.Institutionscandrawfromcitizensperceptionsindesigningawareness raisingcampaignsaswellasinstitutionalresponsestopreventingandaddressingdomestic violence.Indeed,citizensseemtohavebasedtheirrecommendationstothegovernmenton thefactorstheyidentifiedascontributingtoviolence.Nearlyhalftherespondentssaidthe governmentcouldpreventand/oraddressdomesticviolencebyincreasingemploymentfor women,men,andespeciallyforyouth(e.g.,supportingthecreationofnewjobs,makingan employmentstrategyforatriskwomen).Citizensclearlyconsideredimprovingtheeconomy andlivingconditionsvital.Theabsenceofminimallivingconditionslike24hourwaterand electricity can test peoples patience, increase frustration, and spawn arguments. When thereisnowaterandnoelectricity,familymembersbecomestressedandcanhitorabuse each other, an activist said.8 By ensuring these basic conditions, the government could
8
KWNsurvey,June2008. 63
contribute to the overall health and psychological wellbeing of citizens while potentially decreasingdomesticviolence. Second, 10.1 percent of respondents recommended that the government ensure better access to education for women and men, including people in rural areas. Higher levels of education can improve citizens chances of securing employment and potentially decreasedomesticviolence.9Schoolcurriculuminprimaryandsecondaryschoolscouldalso include more information about domestic violence, sex education, and family education, respondentssaid.Respondentsalsorecommendedthatthegovernmentmakeaffordableor free vocational training available for at risk groups, particularly women, which could help themsecureemploymentandcontributetoreducingviolence.10 Third, numerous respondents said the government and nongovernmental organizationsneededtoleadeducationcampaignstargetingwomenandmeninruraland urbanareas.Citizensinruralareasespeciallysaidthatthegovernmentshouldbecloserto the people and work more with people to address this and other issues. They expressed hopethatgovernmentrepresentativeswouldvisittheirareasmoreoften,betterinvestigate their needs, and bring cultural awarenessraising events to their villages. If more social activities were available in villages, violence may be less likely to happen, they said. Respondents also suggested using the media to raise awareness through television series thatdescribesolutionsforviolentsituations,publicserviceannouncements,talkshows,and publicizeddebates.11Theyrecommendedorganizingmoreseminars,trainings,anddebates ondomesticviolence,especiallyinruralareas,areasmostatriskofdomesticviolence,and schools.12Somecitizenssaidoutreacheffortsneededtoencourageandempowerwomento reportviolenceandprovidethemwithadequateprotectioninordertodoso.Citizensalso said the governmentcould finance nongovernmental organizations working on this issue, especiallyinvillages. Fourth,respondentsidentifiedtheneedtodraft,adopt,andimplementalawagainst domesticviolenceinKosovo.13Theysaidthatthelawshouldpunishperpetrators,provide for the protection of and improved support services for victims, and have stricter punishment for perpetrators (e.g. Criminal Code). Respondents said police should work harder to investigate reports of domestic violence and improve their investigative techniques. They called for more effective and efficient functioning of the justice system, includingdecreasingnepotism,addressingthelackofprofessionalism,fasterprosecutionof cases, and stricter sentences for perpetrators. More generally, some respondents commented that the government needed to implement existing law related to property, genderequality,anddomesticviolence,aswellasimprovecooperationamonginstitutions inreportingcasesandimplementinglaw. Fifth, numerous respondents thought opening counselling centres or making counsellingmoreavailablefinancially(e.g.,freeofcharge)andgeographicallytopeoplein
SOKhasshownthatpeoplewithhigherlevelsofeducationaremorelikelytobeemployed(2004Labour MarketStatistics,26).Theresultsofthissurveyindicatedthatcitizenswithbettereducation,employment,and highertotalhouseholdincomewerelesslikelytoexperienceviolence(seechaptertwo). 10 Ideasforsuchvocationaltrainingarepresentedinchaptersix. 11 Onecitizensuggestedthatpersonsfoundguiltyofdomesticviolencebeidentifiedinthemediabynameand surname,towardprevention. 12 Seetherecommendationsforsuggestedareastotargetwithinformationbasedontheseresearchfindings. 13 Thirteenpercentofthesurveyrespondentsidentifiedthisneed.Onerecommendedestablishinga commissioninthegovernmenttodealwiththeissueofdomesticviolence,arecommendationelaborated uponinchaptersix. 64
9
urban and rural areas could help prevent or lessen the negative impact of violence.14 Counsellingcentrescouldserveanumberofpurposes,theysaid,suchasraisingawareness about violence, as well as offering counselling for couples, victims, families, and perpetrators or potential perpetrators. Rather than establishing new counselling centres, mostoftheseservicescanbeprovidedthroughexistingestablishmentsliketheCentresfor SocialWork,localnongovernmentalorganizations,andshelters. Sixth, respondents said institutions and organizations needed to provide better assistance to victims of violence. Some respondents proposed opening more shelters for victimsofviolence.However,thepresentsheltersarerarelyfilledbeyondcapacity.15Rather thanopeningnewshelters,itwouldbeadvisabletosupporttheexistingsheltersthathave yearsofexperienceandtrainedstaff,arecommendationalsomadebyafewcitizens.More specifically,surveyrespondentssaidassistanceforpersonssufferingfromdomesticviolence should include: counselling provided by professional psychologists, psychiatrists, or counsellors;familycounselling;assistancefindingemployment;safeaccommodation;access tofreehealthcare;accesstobettereducation;legalassistance;financialaidforvictimsand their families; assistance from the police; and ongoing [CSW] monitoring in households where violence has occurred until the situation is stable and resolved. Citizens also recommended establishing rehabilitation programs or centres for abusers, an idea further elaborateduponinchaptersix. Illustrating citizens disappointment with the government and general frustration, nearly five percent of respondents did not believe the government could do anything to prevent or address violence. Three respondents said families should deal with their own problems.
Arespondentrecommendedmakingcounsellingbyprofessionalpsychologistsavailableinschools,discussed inchaptersix. 15 KWN,interviewswithshelters. 65
14
CHAPTER5
SOCIALCONSTRAINTSTHATDEPRIVEPARTICULAR DEMOGRAPHICGROUPSINTHEPRIVATEANDPUBLIC SPHERES,POTENTIALLYINCREASINGDOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Theorizinghasattributeddomesticviolenceeithertotheindividualbehaviourofsomemen (e.g., psychopathology or a lack of control) or to social inequalities (e.g., patriarchy and unequalgenderrelations).However,Heisehasarguedforalesssimplistic,multidimensional understanding that considers not only the individual or the society, but the interplay of various personal, situational, and sociocultural factors in contributing to violence.1 A thorough understanding of the various potentially interrelated factors that contribute to domestic violence can enable institutions to develop better programs toward preventing futureviolence.ThischapterexaminesparticularsocialconstraintsinKosovarsocietythat may deprive certain demographic groups either in the private sphere (e.g., within their homes) or the public sphere, potentially contributing to domestic violence: traditional power structures within the family (section one), genderbased discrimination against children according to tradition (section two), lack of access to education (section three), discriminatorygenderrolesandemploymentpractices(sectionfour),anddiscriminationin property ownership and inheritance (section five). Further research is needed to examine other potential factors. Identifying such social constraints in addition to individual behaviourscanenablethegovernmenttoaddressrootcausesofviolenceandthusdecrease it. 1. TraditionalPowerStructureswithintheFamily InKosovomenstilltendtoleadthefamilyunit,2especiallyinAlbanianfamilies.3Menand rarelywomenmakedecisionsregardinglargefamilypurchasesandchildrenseducation,4as Graph5.1illustrates.Morethanhalfofthesurveyrespondents(52.9percent)saidamale familymembermadedecisionsregardinghowthefamilysmoneyshouldbespentforbig purchaseslikeanewcarorfurniture.5Only10.7percentoftherespondentssaidafemale
LoriHeise,ViolenceagainstWomen:AnIntegrated,EcologicalFramework,ViolenceagainstWomen4 (1998),262. 2 PartnersKosova,KWNsurvey,2008. 3 KWNfoundacorrelationbetweenmenbeingdecisionmakersandAlbanianrespondents(KWNsurvey, 2008). 4 In43.8percentofthefamilies,malefamilymembersdecidedregardingchildrenseducation,comparedto womendecidingin9.5percentoffamilies.ForAlbanians,ruralrespondents,and/orthosewhohadbig families,menweremorelikelytodecideabouteducation.Femaledecisionmakersinregardstoeducation tendedtoliveinPrishtinamunicipality.Fortysixpercentoftherespondentssaiddecisionsaboutchildrens educationweremadejointlyorthateachchilddecidedforhimorherself. 5 Malefamilymembersincludedthemalerespondenthimself,awomanrespondentshusband,afather, fatherinlaw,brotherinlaw,brother,son,oruncle. 67
madebigfinancialdecisionsforthefamily.6Whenanimportantdecisionhastobemade,a malefamilymemberhadthefinalsayin60.5percentofrespondentsfamiliescomparedto womeninonly10percentoffamilies.7Womenrespondentswerealsomorelikelythanmen tofinditdifficulttospeaktofamilymembersaboutthingsthatwereimportanttothem.8
Graph5.1DecisionmakingwithintheFamilybyGender
Awomandecides. Amandecides. Itsajointdecision. 757 664 546 457 369 577
134
119
126
Whodecidesregardingbigpurchases likeacarorfurniture?
Whousuallydecidesforchildrens education?
Whohasthefinalsaywhenan importantdecisionhastobemade?
A lack of decisionmaking power may be a form of psychological and economic violenceinitself,aswellaspotentiallycontributingtophysicalviolence.9KWNidentifieda correlationbetweenpersonswhoexperiencedviolenceandthosewhofounditdifficultto talk to their partner or family about things important to them. A lack of decisionmaking power within the family may contribute to early marriage, discontinued education, unemployment,andaninabilitytoinfluencethenumberofchildrenonehas.
Femalerespondentswhoweredecisionmakersincludedamalerespondentswife,mother,motherinlaw, orgrandmother.Womenrespondentswhowereemployedandhadhighincomealsotendedtohavefemale decisionmakersintheirfamilies.Justoveronethirdoftherespondents(36.4percent),manyofwhichhad highlevelsofeducationandemployedpartners,saidimportantfinancialdecisionsweremadebywomenand mentogether.Single,divorcedorwidowedrespondentstendedtohavefemaledecisionmakers,whichmay indicatethatwomenheadsofhouseholdshavemoredecisionmakingpower. 7 Importantdecisionsweremadejointlyin29.5percentoffamilies.Whentherespondenthadalowlevelof educationorwasunemployed,thedecisionmakertendedtobemale. 8 BosnianandTurkishrespondentsalsotendedtofinditdifficultwhileSerbstendedtoconsideriteasy.People overage55tendedtoconsideritdifficulttotalktotheirpartnersaboutthingsimportanttothem,while youngergenerationsfounditveryeasy.Peoplewhohadnotfinishedauniversityleveleducationand/orwere unemployedalsotendedtofinditmoredifficult. 9 Ifafamilymemberarguedordisagreedwiththedecisionmakerabouttheirdecision,in5.2percentofthe familiesthedecisionmakerwouldgetangry,in2.2percentthedecisionmakerwouldyellandshout,andin 1.3percentthedecisionmakerwouldpotentiallyphysicallyharmthepersonwhodisagreed.Decisionmakers thatbecameangryandpotentiallyharmedotherstendedtobefromlowincomefamilies. 68
Lackofdecisionmakingpowerforyoungwomencanandhasresultedinearlyand potentiallyunwantedmarriageforsomeKosovarwomen.Forexample,anAlbanianwoman said her family and especially her mother beat her very often, forced her to stop her education,andarrangedforhermarriagewhenshewasonly16.10Ingeneralwomentend to marry younger than men in Kosovo. SOK reported in 2006 that the average age of marriage was 27 for women and 30 for men.11 Similarly, 88.1 percent of the women surveyedbyKWNweremarriedbeforeage26comparedto58.1percentofmen.Allbutone ofthe11respondentswhoweremarriedbeforeagesixteenwerewomen.Earlymarriage and family obligations can impact a womans level of education and thus her economic status.12 As the second chapter illustrated, people with low levels of education and economic status are more at risk of violence than other demographic groups. Thus, addressingtraditionalpowerstructuresandensuringwomenagreaterdecisionmakingrole withintheirfamiliesmaycontributetodecreasingdomesticviolenceinKosovo. 2. GenderbasedDiscriminationagainstChildren,accordingtoTradition Even though the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is applicable in Kosovo, rights guaranteed by law have been difficult to implement in practice. Discriminatory practices have been observed, such as preferential treatment for boys. Sex selection practices following ultrasounds have indicated that some women prefer male to female children, especially after having numerous female children.13 Perhaps as a result of sex selection practices, Kosovos sex ratio in the last few years has been 100 girls born for every 109 boys.14 Social and family pressure to have male children has impacted some womens decisionstoabortfemalefoetuses. Violence against children due to their gender is also considered a form of gender basedviolence.15InKosovo,opinionsexistthatdisciplininggirlsmakesthemmorallycorrect ordiscipliningboysmakesthemstronger.16Theseviewsmayreflectandfurtherperpetuate gendered stereotypes of being a man or woman and reinforce traditional power structuresinthefamily. 3. LackofAccesstoEducation TheilliteracyrateamongwomeninKosovoisthreetimestheilliteracyrateamongmen.17 Girls tend to drop out of school at higher rates than boys between mandatory primary education and secondary school.18 While one might hope that the situation has improved since2000,still40.6percentofpersonsages18to25surveyedthroughthisresearchhad
Albanianwomanage4655fromGjakovamunicipality. SOK,KosovoinFigures2007,Prishtina:SOK,April2008. 12 Seesectionthreeonlackofaccesstoeducation. 13 KWN,ExploratoryResearch,SectiononDomesticViolence,casestudies. 14 SOK,WomenandMeninKosovo,3. 15 CEDAWGeneralRecommendation19onViolenceAgainstWomenat http://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/cedaw/recommendations/index.html. 16 Seechapterone,sectionthree. 17 SOK,WomenandMeninKosovo,3. 18 Inprimarymandatoryeducationtheschoolenrolmentratioofgirlsincomparisontoboysis92.0whilstin secondaryleveleducationtheratiodropsto79.0(UNDP,HumanDevelopmentReport,YouthANew GenerationforaNewKosovo,2006).WomenrespondentstotheKWNsurveytendedtohavelowerlevelsof educationthanmalerespondents.While24.4percentofmaleshadcompletedlessthanthemandatory secondaryschooling,56.4percentofwomenhadlessthanasecondaryschooleducation.Further,50.9 percentofwomenrespondentsonlyhadaprimaryschooleducation,comparedto19.2percentofmen.
11 10
69
lessthanasecondaryschooleducation.Concerning,42percentofsurveyedyoungwomen ages 18 to 25 had not completed secondary school, compared to 22.5 percent of male respondents.Respondentslivinginruralareastendedtobelesseducatedthanpersonsin urbanareas,oftendiscontinuingtheirschoolingduetoalackoffinances.Inruralareas,48.8 percent of respondents had not finished secondary school, compared to 30.3 percent in urban areas. Both SOK and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) have found ruralwomentobeamongthemostdisadvantagedgroupsinaccessingeducation.19Three timesasmanyruralwomenasruralmenwereilliterate.20Whilemeninruralareashadten yearsofeducation,onaverage,womenhadonlyeight. PriorresearchhasfoundRoma,Ashkali,andEgyptianethnicgroups(oftenreferred to as RAE) also have low levels of education. The illiteracy rate among RAE was nearly 17 percent in 2003 compared to less than six percent for the total population.21 RAE women werefurtherdisadvantagedintheiraccesstoeducationwithanilliteracyrateofmorethan 25percentcomparedtoeightpercentforRAEmenandsixpercentforthetotalpopulation. Onaverage,RAEwomenhadapproximately5.5yearsofeducationwhilemenhadeight. Whenaskedwhytheydiscontinuedtheirschooling,asimilarpercentageofwomen andmencitednotwantingtocontinue,lackoffinances,lackofsafetyforattendingschool, and war or political conditions as reasons for discontinuing their education.22 Graph 5.2 illustrates the similarities and differences among men and women as to why they discontinuedtheireducation.Moremendiscontinuedtheireducationbecausetheyhadto worktohelpsupporttheirfamilies(76.1percent)thanwomen(23.9percent).Womenwere moredisadvantagedthanmeninaccessingeducationbecausetheschoolwastoofaraway, their family did not consider education important for them or for girls, or they were pressuredbyafamilymemberorpartnertostop.Notasinglemanstoppedhiseducation becauseofmarriage,but31womenrespondentshad.Whiletenwomenstoppedschooling due to family obligations (e.g., to care for ill parents or siblings), only three men stopped their education for this reason. Clearly traditional socialized gender roles where women usually maintain their homes and serve as caregivers for their families impact womens abilityaccessequaleducation. Educational attainment impacts employment opportunities and economic welfare laterinlife.23Peoplewithhigherlevelsofeducationaremorelikelytobeemployedinpaid positionswithhighermonthlysalaries,whilepersonswithlowerlevelsofeducationtendto be unemployed, have among the lowest monthly salaries, and/or depend on social
19
AccordingtoSOK,amere17percentofruralwomencomparedto67percentofurbanmenhadcompleted educationbeyondprimaryschoolin2003(KosovoDemographicandHealthSurvey,4).Apopulationcensus wouldimprovestatisticalaccuracy. 20 UNDP,119.SOKsuggestedfourtimesasmany(KosovoinFigures2005,21). 21 UNDP,118,basedonMinistryofEducation,ScienceandTechnologystatistics.UNICEFalsoconcludedthat fewRAEgirlseverenrol(SituationAnalysis,2). 22 Otherresearchhassuggestedthatfactorscontributingtoruralwomensloweducationalattainmentinclude distancefromschool,alackofsecuritytotraveltoschool,alackofeconomicresources,thetraditional mentality,earlymarriage,andfamilieswhodiscouragethemfromcontinuing(See,a2001surveysupported bytheUrgentActionFund;UNDP,28;andCorrin,GenderAudit,6).SOKalsoreported,Ruralfamiliesgive prioritytoeducatingsons,whichimpactsruralwomenseducationalattainment(AgriculturalHousehold Survey2004.Prishtina:SOK,2005,12). 23 In2003and2004,50percentofpeoplewhohadlessthananuppersecondaryeducationand40percentof peoplewithanuppersecondaryeducationwereunemployedcomparedto11percentofpeoplewithhigher education(SOK,2004LabourMarketStatistics,26). 70
assistance from the state.24 Increasing educational attainment for citizens is therefore within the interests of the government towards decreasing the number of citizens dependent on social assistance and increasing the populations ability to contribute to productivityandtaxes.Further,thefinancialcommitmentnecessaryforimprovingaccessto education, such as financing transportation, books, and other related costs, may prove significantlylessexpensivethanlater,potentiallylifelongpaymentsforsocialassistance.
Graph5.2MainReasonsRespondentsStoppedAttendingSchoolBeforeUniversity
WomenandMenRespondents MenRespondents WomenRespondents
396
Notenoughfinancesinthefamily 198 198
200
Didnotwanttocontinue 105 95
96
Hadtoworktoearnmoney 20 76
88
Theschoolwastoofaraway 19 69
74
Myfamily didnotthinkitwas important 7 67
49
Pressuredorforcedbyaparent,partnerorfamilymembertostop 9 40
34
Marriage/engagement 0 34
26
War/politicalconditions 15 11
20
Itwasnotsafetotraveltotheschool 6 14
14
Familyobligations (illparent,etc.) 3 11
Educational attainment can also affect the extent to which people contribute to decisionmakingwithintheirfamilies.Peoplewithhigherlevelsofeducationtendedtoplay
24
CorrelationfoundbasedonKWNsurvey,2008. 71
moreequalrolesasdecisionmakers,25whilepeoplewithasecondaryschooleducationor lessfounditdifficulttospeaktotheirpartneraboutissuesimportanttothem.Unemployed personstendedtofindspeakingwiththeirpartneraverageordifficult.Asthepriorsection discussed,suchpersonsmaybemoreatriskofdomesticviolence. Thegovernmentcouldhelpruralandurbanwomenandmencompletehigherlevels of education by ensuring that all citizens have access to education, providing free transportation to students, and furnishing school supplies. Education campaigns and community outreach efforts could target primary and secondary schools with messages abouttheimportanceofhighereducationandtheimpactthathighereducationcanhaveon employment status and income level. Since some citizens and especially women are preventedbytheirfamiliesfromcontinuingtheireducation,amediacampaignwithpublic serviceannouncementscouldtargetparentswithinformationabouthowhighereducation for women and men can improve the familys economic situation in the longterm (e.g., investment in education today provides financial return in the future). Following good practicesofpriorcampaigns,mediaspotscouldinvolvemessagesfromprominentmembers of the community, cultural icons, and local success stories regarding the importance of education.26 4. DiscriminatoryGenderRolesandEmploymentPractices Accordingtotraditionalgenderroles,womenhavetendedtocarryoutunpaidlabourinside thehouselikeraisingchildren,caringforelderlyorincapacitatedfamilymembers,cooking, and cleaning. Men have tended to work outside the house, earning money for the household. Traditional gender roles shifted somewhat under communism, with state operatedchildcareandmoreemploymentopportunitiesforwomenandmeninlargestate owned factories. At the same time, many women had the double burden of working outside the home during the day and working inside to maintain the household at night (e.g., cooking and cleaning). War, the destruction of stateowned factories, and the slow privatization and investment process have contributed to high unemployment rates in Kosovosincetheendofthewar.27ZuckermanandGreenberghavenoted: Typically women lose formal sector jobs in transition countries undergoing post conflict construction. For example, in the simultaneous shift from old to new industriestoconstructamodern,globaleconomyintheBalkans,womenhavebeen thefirsttobelaidoffandthelasttoberehiredbecauseofthetraditionalviewthat men are the main breadwinners despite increasing numbers of femaleheaded householdsandconstitutionallyenshrinedequalrights.28
Infamilieswheretherespondenthadahigherlevelofeducation,decisionsregardingbigpurchasestended tobemadejointly:involvingboththemaleandthefemale(KWNsurvey,2008). 26 Forexample,campaignsledbyMotratQiriaziinHasregionandKWNaboutdomesticviolenceandgender equality.Informationavailableatwww.womensnetwork.orgorbyrequestfrominfo@womensnetwork.org. 27 TheWorldBank2001estimateforunemploymentwas70percent(KosovoPovertyAssessment,Promoting Opportunity,SecurityandParticipationforAll).Otherestimatesvaryaccordingtotheplethoraof unemploymentdefinitionsused(KWN,ExploratoryResearch).SOKreportedunemploymentnear40percent in2004(LabourMarketStatistics2004,7). 28 ElaineZuckermanandMarciaE.Greenberg,TheGenderDimensionsofPostconflictReconstruction. 72
25
Sincetheendofthewar,traditionalgenderroles,includingsocialnormsaccordingtowhich men are bread winners,29 have meant a hiring priority for men and discrimination againstwomen.Discriminatorytreatmentinhiringpracticescanbeevidenced,forexample, by the factthat more than 70 percent of women who have less thanan upper secondary educationwereunemployedcomparedtoapproximately35percentofmenwiththesame levelofeducationin2004.30Thus,womenhavebeenmoreaffectedbyunemploymentthan men. An estimated 61 percent of women and 32 percent of men were unemployed in 2004.31 Similarly, only 16.4 percent of the surveyed women were employed in a paid position, compared 42.3 percent of the surveyed men. The reasons unemployed respondents gave for not working included: they had work to do inside the home (26.8 percent); work to do outside the home (3.8 percent); were unable to find a job (10.6 percent); family did not allow them to work (0.4 percent); were still a student (22.4 percent);retired(17.5percent);orunabletowork(12.7percent).Morethan40percentof womendidnotworkbecausetheyhadtocareforchildrenorthehomecomparedtoonly 5.8percentofmen.32InspiteoftheAntiDiscriminationLaw,othergroupshavealsobeen disadvantaged regarding employment, including people with special physical and psychologicalneeds.33 Withoutcontributingtothefamilyincome,womenandotherdisadvantagedgroups tendtohavelessdecisionmakingpowerwithintheirfamilies.Indeed,acorrelationexisted betweenpeoplewhowereunemployedandthosewhoconsidereditdifficulttotalktotheir partner about things that were important to them. Further, economic dependency can renderwomenunabletosurviveindependentlyandplacethematriskofremaininghostage toviolenthomesituations.34Economicsecurityisessentialforwomeninordertoincrease theirdecisionmakingrolewithintheirfamiliesaswellasdecreasethechancesthattheywill beconfinedtoaviolenthomelife. Theestablishmentofaffordablechildcarecentrescouldallowmorewomentowork. Sinceruralareasmaynotbeabletofinancesuchcentres,informalchildcareanddaycare centrescouldbeorganizedinhousesbywomeninthearea.Thegovernmentcouldalsogive taxbreakstocompaniesinterestedinemployingwomenandothermarginalizedgroups.In ordertopreventviolence,HandikosPrizrenrecommendedthatthegovernmentensurejob opportunitiesandeducationforpersonswithspecialneedsaswell.Theymustensurethat obligatoryeducationiscompletedandpeoplearenotdiscriminatedagainstinemployment practices,Handikosrepresentativessaid.35
WeberandWatson,515. SOK,2004LabourMarketStatistics,26. 31 SOK,2004LabourMarketStatistics,7.SOKlaterestimatedtheunemploymentrateat33percentformen and60percentforwomen(WomenandMeninKosovo,2007). 32 Only8.7percentofmenworkedinsideoroutsidethehome,whileathirdofthesurveyedwomenspent theirtimecaringforchildren,gardening,housekeepingand/orcaringforanimals.Ingeneral,womenand peopleinruralareastendednottoworkbecausetheyhadworkaroundthehouse. 33 HandikosPrizren,KWNsurvey,2008. 34 OSCEandMLSW,14. 35 HandikosPrizren,KWNsurvey,2008.
30 29
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5. DiscriminationinPropertyOwnershipandInheritance Closely related to the economic insecurity that results from discriminatory employment practices, inheritance and property ownership has traditionally favoured men in Kosovo. AccordingtoPartnersKosova,menstillinheritmostifnotallpropertyin99percentofthe cases.36 Despite legal protection for equal ownership, women have unequal access to inheritance.37Withoutfamilyassets,employment,orcapital,womenfacediscriminationin securing loans. KWN has found that Women have difficulty accessing loans from local banksandinternationalcreditprogrammersthatrequireownershipofassetswhichisrare whenmalefamilymemberstraditionallyregisterproperty.Menalsotraditionallyholdland inownership.38TheOmbudspersonhasreportedthatwomenownlessthan10percentof propertyandrealestateinKosovocomparedtomenowning90percent.39Further,women ownedameagretwoto6.2percentofthesmallandmediumsizedenterprises.Womens lack of ownership of businesses has been attributed to lower levels of education among women and a lack of entrepreneurship, with women owning more businesses in Prishtina wherewomentendtohavehigherlevelsofeducation.40 In conclusion, the social constraints discussed in this chapter seem to be inter related.Inequalitiesinthefamily,alackofdecisionmakingauthority,unequaltreatmentin childhood,deniedaccesstoeducationandtheresultinglackofemploymentopportunities, as well as unequal treatment in inheritance practices can be linked to gender inequalities presentinsociety.SocialconstraintsthatmaycontributetoviolenceinKosovoareclosely relatedtogenderinequalitiesinsocialpracticesandtradition.Thesesocialconstraintstend todiscriminateagainstwomenandthusplacewomenatgreaterriskofdomesticviolence. Discriminatory practices against women in Kosovo have been observed as de facto discriminationasopposedtodejure,asequalityisguaranteedbypresentlegislation.41The Kosovo Acting Ombudsperson noted in its annual 2006 and 2007 report to the Kosovo Assemblythatwomencontinuetobediscriminatedagainstbymeninboththepublicand private sphere.42 Efforts are needed to implement law, and, more importantly, to dispel myths and discourage discriminatory practices that perpetuate inequalities and thus increase the likeliness of domestic violence occurring. The creation of legislation sensitive toward gender inequalities can contribute to remedying discriminatory practices and violenceagainstvulnerablegroups,includingwomen,children,personswithdisabilities,and theelderly.
PartnersKosova,KWNsurvey,2008. KWN,MonitoringImplementation,andKWN,ExploratoryResearch. 38 KWN,MonitoringImplementation,50. 39 Ombudspersonsreport. 40 See,MinistryofTradeandIndustry,ResearchonSmallandMediumEnterprises(Prishtina:2004),11. 41 Particularsocialinstitutionsandbeliefsinmanyculturesmaylegitimizeviolenceagainstwomen(See CEDAW). 42 Ombudspersonsreport.

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36
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CHAPTER6
LEGALANDINSTITUTIONALGAPSINADDRESSING DOMESTICVIOLENCE
Makingstatesaccountableforaddressingviolencethatoccursintheprivatesphereremains challenging.1 States and international law in general have tended to consider domestic violenceaprivateissueratherthananissuerelevanttonationalsecurity.2Traditionally, national security that involves outside aggressors has drawn decisionmakers attention morethanaddressinginternalsecurityissues,especiallythreatstowomenssecurityinthe privaterealm.3Yet,priorresearchhassuggestedthatwomenaremorelikelytobehurtby someone they know than a stranger, especially an international stranger.4 Thus, analysts havecritiquednarrowviewsofsecurityandarguedforabroader,moreinclusivedefinition.5 Thefactthatviolationsofhumanrightsprincipleswithinprivateenvironments(i.e. homes) lack enforceability has been critiqued as andocentric because different life experiences remain unaddressed, making the distribution of justice unequal in practice.6 Whenpowerrelationsandavarietyofcontextsareconsidered,rightsoftenfailtoaddress various structural inequalities.7 Ignoring such inequalities and conditions may lead to a situationwhereequalrightsreproduceinequalityandatthesametimeignorebackground conditions, as the last chapter illustrated.8 When states address violence in homes they needtoaccountforinequalitiesandstructuralconditionsaffectingthedistributionofjustice tovictimsfromvariousbackgrounds. Anumberofinternationalinstrumentssettheresponseagainstdomesticviolencein familiesandagainstwomenspecificallyattheinternationallevel.In1979theConventionon the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) set the basis for defining discrimination against women and genderbased violence. The 1993 Vienna DeclarationonHumanRightsaffirmedwomensrightsashumanrights,andthe1995Beijing
MargharetSchuler,PutourWorldtoRights,inInstituteforWomen,LawandDevelopment,ClaimingOur Place:WorkingtheHumanRightsSystemtoWomensAdvantage(Washington:InstituteforWomen,Lawand Development,1993). 2 Tickner,(1997)613. 3 InKosovo,theotherhasbeendefinedbyethnic/national(e.g.,Serb,Albanian)differences.Inthemidstof SerbandKosovarAlbaniannationalstruggles,domesticviolencemayhavebeenseenasathreattothe nationalcause(SeeJulieMertus,GenderinServiceofNation:FemaleCitizenshipinKosovarSociety,Social Politics,Summer/Fall1996,261277andJulieMertus,WomeninKosovo:ContestedTerrainsinGender PoliticsintheWesternBalkans:WomenandSocietyinYugoslaviaandtheYugoslavSuccessorStates.Ed. SabrinaP.Ramet.UniversityPark:PennStateUP,1999). 4 Heise,Ellsberg,andGottemoeller1999;WattsandZimmerman2002,citedinWWCetal. 5 Forexample,Ticknerhascritiquedtraditionalinternationalrelationstheoryasmasculinist(Genderin InternationalRelations,NewYork:ColumbiaUniversityPress,1992) 6 CharlesworthandChinkin,TheBoundariesofInternationalLaw:AFeministAnalysis,Ch7(NewYork: ManchesterUniversityPress,2000),208212. 7 TonyEvans,Introduction:power,hegemonyandtheuniversalisationofhumanrights,HumanRightsFifty Yearson:Areappraisal,TonyEvans(ed.),(Manchester,NewYork:ManchesterUniversityPress,1998),2,16. 8 AnnPhilips,Multiculturalism,UniversalismandtheClaimsofDemocracyinM.MolyneuxandS.Razavi (eds)GenderJustice,DevelopmentandRights(2001),117. 75
1
PlatformforActionreiteratedstateresponsibilitiesforcombatingviolenceagainstwomen. The2000UnitedNationsSecurityCouncil(UNSCR)Resolution1325onWomen,Peaceand Securitydrewattentiontoviolenceagainstwomeninpeacekeepingoperationsaswellas duringconflictandpostconflictsituations.TheKosovoauthoritiesmustalsoupholdtheUN Convention on the Rights of the Child. In addition the Council of Europe has enacted recommendationstowardaddressingdomesticviolence,suchasRecommendation(2000)5 on the Protection of Women against Violence. Kosovos domestic legislation enlists a number of the aforementioned international conventions, and Kosovos authorities must applytheseprincipleswhenrespondingtocasesofdomesticviolence.9 Kosovos domestic legislation and policies has also responded to different social constraintsandgenderinequalitiesthatmaydeprivewomenintheprivateorpublicsphere. TheAssemblyofKosovohasadoptedlawsliketheGenderEqualityLaw,AntiDiscrimination Law,LawonFamilyandSocialServices,andLawonFamily.Theselawscanbeconsidered milestonesinpromotinganddefendinggenderequalityandnondiscriminationprinciplesin Kosovo.10 Further, activities foreseen in the National Action Plan on the Achievement of Gender Equality in Kosovo (2003) address issues related to economic, political, social and culturalconstraintsthatmaydeprivewomenfromenjoyingtheirrightsinthepublicsphere. Kosovo has also created a number of gender equality mechanisms as foreseen by the Kosovo Law on Gender Equality at the ministerial and municipal level.11 While these mechanisms are relatively new, preliminary research has critiqued the municipal and ministerial focal points on gender issues for their lack of human and financial resources, professionalcapacity,andunderstandingofgenderequality,whichcontinuestohamperthe effectiveresponseoftheseinstitutionalmechanisms.12 In Kosovo, enforcing legislation and implementing laws has been problematic, and Kosovar institutions have struggled to uphold the rule of law. Kosovar authorities have almostcompletelyignoredimplementationofsomelawsliketheGenderEqualityLawand Antidiscrimination Law.13 Differential treatment affected by underlying discrimination against women and children has also caused issues with the implementation of civil and criminal measures foreseen to protect victims and prosecute perpetrators of domestic violence.14 ThischapterlooksatthelegalandinstitutionalresponseoftheKosovoauthoritiesto cases of domestic violence. It identifies current legal and institutional gaps in addressing domestic violence in Kosovo for the purpose of informing the Government of Kosovos current initiative to draft a Kosovo National Action Plan against Domestic Violence.15 The analysis and recommendations presented here are based on data available from Kosovar
TheKosovoConstitutionenlistsinternationalconventionsthattheauthoritiesneedtoapplyunderthe SectiononFundamentalRightsandFreedoms,Art.22.Athttp://www.kushtetutakosoves.info,accessedJune 2008. 10 UNFPA,ACaseStudyofGenderBasedViolenceinKosovo,(2004),19. 11 SeeKosovoLawonGenderEquality,Ch.4onresponsiblebodiesfortheachievementofgenderequalityand theircompetencies. 12 Ombudsperson,ActingKosovoOmbudspersonsAnnualReport20062007,SectiononGenderEquality, 6372.Seealso,KWN,MonitoringImplementation.UNIFEMalsoanalyzedthefunctioningofthesemechanisms foraconferenceongenderequalitymechanisms. 13 Ombudsperson,AnnualReport,16. 14 Seethesectiononprotectionbelow. 15 TheeffortwillbeledbytheAgencyforGenderEqualityintheOfficeofthePrimeMinisterandsupportedby UNDP/WSSI.Specificrecommendationsforthiseffortarepresentedlaterinthechapter. 76
9
institutionsandcurrentresearch.First,asperthethreefocusareasoftheWomensSafety and Security Initiative, the chapter examines legal and institutional gaps for protecting victims (section one), prosecuting perpetrators (section two), and preventing domestic violence (section three). The fourth section makes recommendations for enhancing the overall government response to domestic violence, including ways for improving data collection and monitoring. All sections involve concrete recommendations for each institutiontowardimprovingitsresponsetodomesticviolence. 1. LegalandInstitutionalGapsforProtectingVictimsofDomesticViolence This section first examines the implementation of applicable legislation toward protecting victims of domestic violence. Second, it discusses institutional response in protecting victims,includingcooperationamonginstitutions.Third,itoffersdetailedrecommendations towardimprovinginstitutionalresponseinprotectingvictims. 1.1 Implementationoflegislationtowardprotectingvictims A number of civil and criminal measures are foreseen under the Kosovo applicable law to protect victims and prosecute perpetrators of domestic violence. UNMIK Regulation 2003/12onProtectionagainstDomesticViolenceprovidesasetofmeasurestorespondto the needs of domestic violence victims by offering legal protection and assistance mechanisms.16Itoffersarangeofprotectionorderstoprotectvictimsfromperpetratorsof domestic violence acts17 and makes law enforcement authorities (KPS), victim advocates (VAs) and social services officers (SSOs) responsible for protecting victims of domestic violence.18 Kosovo criminal law also defines various crimes committed in a domestic relationship.19 The crimes may be investigated and prosecuted ex officio (automatic prosecution) or by private motion depending on the severity of the crime. A domestic violence act per se is not defined in the criminal law. When addressing domestic violence acts,theKosovoCriminalCodeenlistsvariouscriminaloffencessuchaslightbodilyinjury, grievousbodilyinjury,rape,andsexualabusewhencommittedinadomesticrelationship. Therefore, for the purpose of criminal law, these offences are considered specific acts of domesticviolence.20 ThedefinitionofdomesticrelationshipincriminallawandtheDomesticViolence Regulationissimilar.ThebroaddefinitionaccommodatescommonlivingmodesinKosovo byexplicitlylistingwhichpersonsaredefinedasmembersofthehouseholdandeligiblefor
See,forexample,Ombudsperson,ExOfficioReportoftheOmbudspersonInstitutioninKosovoReport concerningtheImplementationofSection7and9ofUNMIKRegulation2003/12onProtectionAgainst DomesticViolence,ExOfficioRegistrationNo.1/06(November2006). 17 TheDomesticViolenceRegulationoffersthreekindsofprotectionorders:ProtectionOrder,Emergency ProtectionOrderandInterimEmergencyProtectionOrder.Theprotectionordersdifferonthemeasuresthat canbeissuedandtheissuingauthority.Someofthemeasuresare:forbidtheperpetratorofdomesticviolence toapproachthevictimatacertaindistanceorworkplace;prohibittheperpetratortoenterorremainina commonresidencewiththevictim;ordertheperpetratortoallowthevictimtousethecommonresidenceif thecourtassessesitwillnotbeagainstthesafetyandthewellbeingofthevictim;ordertheseizureof weapons;orderthereturnofthechildtothevictim;prohibitthedisposingofanypropertyeitherbythevictim ortheperpetratorforaspecifictemporarytimeperiod(Section2). 18 Italsocriminalisestheviolationofmeasuresoftheprotectionorderinrequestingfinesorimprisonmentfor perpetratorsofdomesticviolence(Section16oftheDomesticViolenceRegulation). 19 UNMIKRegulation2003/25ontheProvisionalCriminalCodeofKosovoandUNMIKRegulation2003/26on theProvisionalCriminalProcedureCodeofKosovo. 20 SeeOSCEandMLSW,24 77
16
protection orders.21 The Domestic Violence Regulation offers a definition of domestic violence only for the purpose of issuing protection orders using civil law procedures in courts.22 For protection orders, domestic violence acts or omissions are: causing bodily injuries;engagingtheotherpersoninanonconsensualsexualactsorsexualexploitation; causingtheotherpersontofearforhisorherphysical,emotionaloreconomicwellbeing; kidnapping;causingpropertydamage;unlawfullylimitingthefreedomofmovementofthe other person; forcibly entering the property of the other person; forcibly removing the other person from a common residence; prohibiting the other person from entering or leavingacommonresidence;orengaginginapatternofconductwiththeintenttodegrade the other person when committed in a domestic relationship.23 The detailed but rather perplexed divisions of protecting and prosecuting domestic violence acts have caused difficultiesinimplementation(seebelow). The Domestic ViolenceRegulation requests expeditious reaction by the judiciary in respondingtothespecificneedsofvulnerablevictims.24Theregulationoffersthebasisfor issuanceofdifferentkindsofprotectionorderswhentheperpetratorofdomesticviolence posesanimmediateorimminentthreattothesafety,healthorwellbeingofthevictim.25It alsooffersprotectionforwitnessesofviolencewhomightbeendangeredforreportingit.26 Further, the Domestic Violence Regulation enlists acts of light bodily injury, violation of protection orders, nonconsensual sexual acts or sexual exploitation, kidnapping, and damagingthepropertyofanotherpersonascriminaloffencesrelatedtodomesticviolence whenconductedinadomesticrelationshipandrequiresexofficioprosecution.27 KPSofficersabilitytoprotectvictimshasimprovedsignificantlysincethepassageof the Domestic Violence Regulation. Previously, police intervened in [domestic violence] cases just to calm the situation. They then left people to deal with the problem by themselves, a KPS representative said.28 Since the passage of the Regulation against Domestic Violence institutions have treated domestic violence more seriously, including punishing acts in the Temporary Criminal Code of Kosovo. Yet, representatives of institutions dealing with domestic violence said numerous legal gaps still exist.29 For example, not all penal acts that could occur in a domestic relationship are defined in the
Seetheintroductionforadefinitionofdomesticrelationship. TheDomesticViolenceRegulationrequiresthattheproceduresforeseenundertheLawonContested Procedureareusedwhenpetitioningorissuingprotectionorders(seeArticles6.3,7.3,8.4,8.6,9.4,10.4,10.6, 13.4,13.6and18.2).Howeversomeoftheactssuchaslightbodilyinjury,violationofprotectionorders,non consensualsexualactsorsexualexploitation,kidnapping,damagingthepropertyofanotherpersonare enlistedascriminaloffencesrelatedtodomesticviolencewhenconductedinadomesticrelationshipand requireexofficioprosecutionunderthecriminalprocedure. 23 Section1.2oftheDomesticViolenceRegulation. 24 TheDomesticViolenceRegulationrequeststhatthecourtsissueprotectionordersinatimelymanner: within24hoursforanemergencyprotectionorderandwithin15daysforaprotectionorderfromthe petitioningoftherequest(section7and9ofUNMIKRegulation2003/12). 25 Section2.1(p),6.3(d),8.1(b),10.1(b)(c),13.2(b)(c),andSection14.5ofUNMIKRegulation2003/12. 26 Littleinformationisavailableastowhetheranyprotectionordershavebeengrantedtowitnessesof violence.TheYouthNetworkofKosovonotedthatsomeyouthdonotreportviolencebecausetheyare concernedaboutrepercussions.Thegovernmentneedstoensureconfidentialitytopeoplewhoreport violenceandensuremechanismstoprotectthemarefunctioning,includingshelterifneeded(KWNsurvey, 2008). 27 Section16oftheDomesticViolenceRegulation. 28 SectorforInvestigationofDomesticViolenceandMaltreatmentofChildrenintheKPSDirectorateagainst GrievousCrime,KWNsurvey,2008. 29 KPS,WWC,andMedicaKosova,KWNsurveys,2008.
22 21
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Temporary Criminal Code of Kosovo or Domestic Violence Regulation.30 [I]t is difficult to apply in practice a regulation that doesnt punish all acts of domestic violence, a KPS representativesaid.31 KPS also encountered problems applying Article 13, which foresees emergency temporary protection orders to be granted by UNMIK police. After UNMIK police transitioned its competencies to KPS, this particular competency remained reserved for UNMIKpoliceeventhoughtheycannotact,onlymonitor.Presently,noinstitutioncanapply thisarticlebasedonexistinglaw.Thus,anewlawagainstdomesticviolenceneedstogive KPStheauthoritytoassignemergencyprotectionordersforlongerthan48hours,likethe competencypreviouslyheldbyUNMIK.32 Even though criminal and civil law include detailed descriptions of the roles and responsibilities of different agencies to protect victims of domestic violence, the implementationoftheseprovisionshasprovendifficult.Judgesandprosecutorshaveoften failed to implement legislation correctly. A case below provided in a recent report by the OSCE Mission in Kosovo33 illustrates the problems with correct implementation of the DomesticViolenceRegulationandcriminallaw: [In] a case in Ferizaj/Uroevac, on 20 November 2006 the Municipal Public Prosecutordismissedapolicecriminalreportdated3November2006thatindicated amanhadphysicallyassaultedhiswifeandcausedherinjuries,thuscommittinga crime that should be prosecuted ex officio. According to the police investigation, there had been violence between the couple prior to the current incident. In the decision of dismissal, the prosecutor wrongly interpreted the current applicable legislation and affirmed that both parties committed domestic violence, a criminal offence that does not exist. In contrary, the decision on dismissal stated [t]he criminal offence [of domestic violence] is not among the criminal offences prosecutedexofficio. Instead of charging the perpetrator with the crime of bodily injury in accordance with criminal law34 and requesting the protection order as foreseen by the Domestic Violence Regulation,theprosecutionfailedtocorrectlyinvestigatethecaseandlettheperpetrator walk free. Other available research in Kosovo on the implementation of the Domestic ViolenceRegulationandotheractsoromissionswhencommittedinadomesticrelationship haveshownmisappropriateorpartialimplementationofthelegislation.35 Judgesandprosecutorshavereportedpracticaldifficultiesintheimplementationof thislegislation,whichhasfailedtoofferprotectiontovictimsagainstdomesticviolence.The CentreforProtectionofWomenandChildreninPrishtinaandvictimsofdomesticviolence
KPS,KWNsurvey,2008.Forexample,sheandanotherKPSofficersaiddisturbance,combinedphysicaland psychologicalviolence,andarguingarenotlistedspecifically(KWNsurvey). 31 KPS,KWNsurvey,2008. 32 CSWPrishtinaandVAAD,KWNsurvey,2008. 33 OSCEMissioninKosovo,ReportonCasesofDomesticViolenceinKosovo,(July2007). 34 Crimesincludingcausingphysicalharmtoapersonbycausinglightorgravebodilyinjuryandtemporarily damaginganorganorapartofthebodyoftheotherperson;diminishingthecapacityofthepersontowork; disfiguringtheotherperson;orimpairingthehealthoftheotherpersonwhenconductedinadomestic relationshipisconsideredacrimepunishablewiththreemonthstothreeyearsimprisonmentandshouldbe exofficioprosecuted(seeArticle153,154oftheKosovoProvisionalCriminalProcedureCode). 35 SeeOSCEandMLSW,24 79
30
have filed complaints with the Kosovo Ombudspersons Institution about the failure of a numberofmunicipalcourtstoimplementsections7and9oftheRegulationconcerningthe issuance of Protection Orders and Emergency Protection Orders.36 The Domestic Violence Regulation foresees a number of measures that can be issued against perpetrators by courts.However,inpractice,themeasuresissuedbycourtsareeitherlimitedintheirnature orareusedbyjudgestoeasetheconsequencescausedbydomesticviolenceacts.Inacase ofpetitioningforaprotectionorderintheMunicipalCourtofLeposaviq,theOSCEMission in Kosovo reported that the victim requested the removal of the perpetrator from the common living quarters. The court decided the opposite, ordering the victim to return to thecommonresidenceandbeallowedtowatchTV.37EventhoughthemunicipalCSWalso recommendedremovingtheperpetrator,thecourtdidnotconsiderhowitsdecisioncould endanger the victim and her childrens safety and health. In this particular case, the protection order was issued to reconcile the couple rather than to issue the protective measuresrequestedbythevictim. In other cases monitored by the Kosovo Ombudsperson Institution38 as well as the OSCEMissioninKosovo,womenmostlyrequestedmeasuresforeseeninSection2(i)ofthe DomesticViolenceRegulation,orderingtheperpetratortoallowtheprotectedpartytouse the residence shared by the respondent and the protected party. Husbands in Kosovo commonly sanction women victims of domestic violence for their disobedience by removingthemandsometimestheirchildrenfromcommonlivingquarters.39Inthissense, the protection order enables women to return to a common household. The decision of puttingthecouplebackagaininthecommonresidencemightcauserisktothehealthand wellbeingofthevictimandherchildren. For example, in the first case from Gjilan/Gnjilane the mother desired to returnto her husbands apartment although he had mistreated her and the baby. Since the potentialforfurtherviolenceexisted,arguablyreturninghomewasnotinthebest interest of the child. Similarly, in the second case (also from Gjilan/Gnjilane), the motherrequestedtoreturntothehusbandshousewiththechildrenalthoughthe husband had allegedly committed acts of physical violence against themthe courtneverthelesscontinuedwiththesessionandissuedtheprotectionorder.40
IneachofthecasesmonitoredbytheOmbudspersonsInstitutionmostofthevictimsand their children were sent back to their husbands homes without an in depth analysis or knowledgeofpotentialactsofviolencethatmightcauserisktothehealthandwellbeingof
TheKosovoOmbudspersonInstitutioninaccordancetoSection9ofUNMIKRegulation2006/6onthe OmbudspersonInstitutioninKosovo,canconductexofficioinvestigationsofjudicialinstitutionsonher/his initiativeifthereisasuspicionthatahumanrightsviolationmighthaveoccurred. 37 Ibid,13. 38 OmbudspersonInstitution,ExOfficioReport,2006. 39 CommonlywomeninKosovodonotownpropertynorenjoyinheritancerightsforeseenbytheapplicable law.Itisthereforeverycommonthatthepropertyisregisteredintheirspousesnameorothermembersof thehouseholdintheextendedfamily(i.e.fatherorgrandfatherofthehusband).Womenthereforecanbe easilyremovedfrompropertynotlegallyowned,andthisdomesticviolenceactisoftenusedbyperpetrators asameasuretodisciplinetheirwivesandchildren.SeeOmbudsperson,20062007AnnualReportofthe ActingOmbudspersontotheAssemblyofKosovo,sectiononGenderEqualityinKosovo,6372. 40 OSCEMissioninKosovo,ReportonCasesofDomesticViolenceinKosovo,(July2007). 80
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the victim.41 Even though the Domestic Violence Regulation foresees that the perpetrator maybeorderednottoapproachthevictiminaspecifieddistanceorremainwiththevictim inthecommonresidence,42courtsrarelygrantvictimswiththisforeseenmeasure. According to the Domestic Violence Regulation, a family member cannot forcibly removeanotherfamilymemberfromacommondwellingplace,butifthevictimisatriskby continuing to live with the abuser, the Regulation does not offer any alternative.43 Protection orders stipulating that the perpetrator and victim share the same house place victimsindanger.AnSSOsaid,Thevictimlivesunderpressureandmustleavethatplace because the abuser does not respect the protection order. Further, police often fail to intervene and courts seldom take action when protection orders are broken.44 Other measuressuchasorderingtheperpetratortopayfortherentofthevictiminanotherplace of residence or alimony for the child are rarely reported.45 According to a VAAD representative,ifthecourtsdonothaveevidencethattheperpetratorcanaffordtomake such payments because the perpetrator does not have property, a salary, or is working withoutacontract,thecourtcannotpushhim/hertodothis.46Whilethisisnotentirely accurate as the law on execution defines how such calculations should be made and how policeshouldexecutecourtdecisions,theruleoflawisweakinensuringimplementation.47 Even when courts ruled that the perpetrator should pay alimony, the ruling was applied rarely,somerespondentssaid.48 Cases of victims withdrawing from prosecuting cases of domestic violence or protection order requests have also been observed. In the 39 cases investigated by the OmbudspersonInstitution,victimswithdrewsixrequestsforissuanceofprotectionorders.49 Numerous respondents to the KWN survey said couples agreed and so the charges were dropped or the case resolved. A man from Skenderaj municipality said, The police came andthecasewenttocourt,buttheperpetratorwasnotpunishedbecausethey[spouses] agreedbytheend.Inanothercase,childrencalledthepolice,andthepolicearrestedthe man. They later released him because he promised his wife that violence would never happenagainandsheforgavehim.TheOmbudspersonhassuggestedthatthedependency of women on their husbands or their husbands families may mean that women do not request divorce and may continue to suffer domestic violence at the price of not being separated from their children, becoming a burden to their families or, even worse, facing the unknown dangers of being forced to fend for themselves.50 Thus, even if the law providesfortheprotectionofvictimsofdomesticviolence,ifnotimplementeditremains ineffectiveinofferingprotection.
SeeOSCEandMLSW,24. Section2(c)and(f)oftheDomesticViolenceRegulation. 43 VictimAdvocateinPrishtina,KWNsurvey,2008. 44 SSOsinFerizaj,KWNsurvey,2008.WWCalsocommentedthatprotectionordersrequiredbettermonitoring toensurevictimsprotectionfromperpetrators(KWNsurvey,2008).VAADrepresentativesrecommendedthat violationsofprotectionordersinvolveharshersanctionsaccordingtothecriminalcode. 45 VAADalsoreportedambiguityindecisionsrelatedtoalimony. 46 KWNsurvey,June2008. 47 Inthissense,empoweringvictimsandmakingalternativesavailabletothemisimportant. 48 LiriashelterinGjilanandKPSofficerinPeja,KWNsurvey,2008.TheKPSofficersaidthecourtshouldbe stricterregardingpropertyownership.Childrenwerehomelessveryoften,theofficersaid,becausethe abuserdidnotpayalimonyforhischildrenandpartner. 49 SeeKWN,ExploratoryResearchandOSCEMissioninKosovoAssessmentReportontheEstablishmentof ReferralMechanismsforVictimsofTraffickinginHumanBeings,October2007. 50 OmbudspersonInstitution,ExOfficioReport,2006.
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Courtdelaysinprocessingcases,especiallyrelatedtoprotectionorders,havefurther hamperedeffortstoprotectvictims.Forexample,theDomesticViolenceRegulationallows forcourtstoforbidcontactorspecifythedistancebetweenthevictimandperpetrator,but suchmeasuresarerarelyappliedbecauseofdelaysindecisionsrelatedtoprotectionorders and alternate rulings.51 Since cases often took two or more years for review, additional penal Policedoaverygoodjob,butwhen acts could occur in the meantime. Therefore, casesgotocourttheyfail....Casessit expeditiousprocessingofrequestsforprotection forayear[beforethecourts]start procedures.Afterayearhaspassed, orders by courts is essential in order to protect theycallus,theycalltheCSW.During victimsfromongoingviolence. thattimetheviolencehasprobably The Kosovo Acting Ombudsperson Ex happenedagain. Officio Report concluded that judges generally lackedknowledgeregardingthecontentsofthe KPSofficer,Prizren Domestic Violence Regulation, which contributed to delays.52 Judges delayed the issuance of protection orders, failing to meet the timelines foreseen by the Domestic Violence Regulation (15 days and 24 hours to issue protection orders or emergency protectionorders,respectively).Insomecasesrelatedtoprotectionorders,judgestookup toelevenmonthswhilstincasesofemergencyprotectionorderscourtstookdaysoreven several months.53 A failure to comply with the deadlines foreseen by the applicable law placesvictimsatfurtherriskofrepeatorcontinualviolence,potentiallynegativelyimpacting theirhealthandwellbeingandcounteringtheaimoftheRegulation.54 All cases, not only domestic violence cases, suffer from delays. The Statistical Department of the Secretariat of the Juridical System in the Kosovo Judicial Council has made a list of various factors contributing to the numerous unresolved cases: unclear legislation; other institutions not fulfilling their duties; lack of judges; poor distribution of judges in courts; too few prosecutors; poor working conditions (e.g., offices, technology, transportation, low salaries); inability to deliver court summons because of unclear addresses;lackofwitnesses;irrationalwastedtimebysomejudgesandcourtsofficials(e.g., absencefromcourttoattendedvariousunnecessarytrainingsandseminars);limitedbudget for employing additional staff; and centralized administration.55 Judges have attributed delaystotheircaseoverload.Forexample,inPrishtina,althoughthepopulationhasgrown substantiallysincetheendofthewar,thegovernmenthasnotmadebudgetallocationsfor hiringadditionaljudges.56PartnersKosovafurtherattributedpendingcasestojudgeslow salaries, too few and inefficient staff, inadequate professional training, and disrespect for executing the law that regulates the functioning of the justice system.57 Other problems withinthejusticesystemincludepoormanagementskills,badadministration,lackofnew
VAAD,KWNsurvey,June2008. OmbudspersonInstitution,ExOfficioReport,2006. 53 OSCEobservedinitsReportonDomesticViolenceCasesinKosovo(July2007)delaysintheissuanceof protectionorders.SSOsalsoemphasizedtheneedforthejusticesystemtoprocesscasesinatimeliermanner andforthedefenceofvictimstobemoreeffective(SSOsinFerizaj,KWNsurvey,2008). 54 SeeCouncilofEuropeActionPlanProposal,1998.Also,KWNsurveyofVA,June2008. 55 UnpublishedpapergiventoKWN,2008. 56 Judge,commentmadetoKWNrepresentative. 57 ASSOattributedthefailuretoimplementthelawtocultureandalackofprofessionalism(KWNSurvey,SSO inMitrovica,June2008).
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personnel educated inside and outside the country, and lack of knowledge regarding technologyandtheuseofdigitalinformation.58 1.2 Institutionalresponsetowardprotectingvictims Offering effective redress and protection to victims of domestic violence remains an ongoing challenge for governments around the world.59 The Council of Europe has expressed concern with the lack of knowledge among institutions in appropriately identifyingactsofdomesticviolenceandotherformsofgenderbasedviolence.60Further, theprovisionoflegislationunaccompaniedbyappropriateresources(humanandfinancial) hascausedshortfallsinassistanceandprotection.AstheCouncilofEuropestated: Countrieshavebeengenerallyslowtorecognisethefinancialandsocialcostsofgender violence(interms,forexample,ofinvestigationcosts,health,housingandeducation), with, as seen, variations in the law and in sanctions available. There is often little recognition of the needs and rights of those experiencing violence, little appropriate support from many organisations and a lack of resources and provision for those specialistgroupsmakingakeycontributiontorelevantserviceprovision.61 Kosovo applicable law offers numerous mechanisms and requires a number of governmentalandnongovernmentalinstitutionstorespondtoandofferprotectionagainst domestic violence. The Victim Advocacy and Assistance Division (VAAD) of the Ministry of Justice,62 municipal Centres for Social Work (CSW) of the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare(MLSW),63andDomesticViolenceUnitsoftheKosovoPoliceService(KPS)arethe key institutions in Kosovo that respond to cases of domestic violence. A number of laws govern the responsibilities of social workers (SSOs), victim advocates (VAs) and police in
Courtsalsorarelycooperatewithotheractorsthatcouldhelpandmaketheirworkeasier,suchasNGOs dealingwithlawandconflictresolution,accordingtoPartnersKosova.TheybelievedthatadoptingtheLawon Mediationandinvolvingmediatorsincourtstodealwithsomecasescouldlessentheworkloadforjudges. CDHRFandtheStatisticalDepartmentoftheSecretariatoftheJudicialSystemintheKosovoJudicialCouncil alsorecommendedmediationmechanismsbeusedtosolvesomecases(KWNsurveys,2008). 59 ForexampletheUNCommitteeontheEliminationofDiscriminationagainstWomendescribesfailuresof theHungarianandUzbekistanauthoritiestooffereffectiveredressandprotectionmechanismsfordomestic violencevictims(athttp://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/cedaw/reports.htm,accessedJune2008). 60 SeeCouncilofEuropeActionPlanProposal,1998. 61 CouncilofEurope,SummaryActionPlanProposalonViolenceAgainstWomen,(1998). 62 UNMIKRegulation2003/26ontheProvisionalCriminalProcedureCodeofKosovoenlistsinArticles81and 82victimadvocatesaskeyinstitutionsresponsibleinsafeguardingvictimsrightsespeciallyvictimsofacts committedinadomesticrelationship. 63 Anumberoflawsguidesocialservicesinofferingprotectiontovictimsofdomesticviolence(i.e.Lawon SocialandFamilyServices,LawonFamily,theDomesticViolenceRegulation,etc.).Forexamplethe2005/02 L17KosovoAssemblyLawonSocialandFamilyServicessetsthelegalgroundsforregulatingtheservicesto personsandfamiliesinneedbydefiningpersonsinneedasdomesticviolenceandhumantraffickingvictims. Domesticviolencevictimsthereforeareentitledtosocialprotectionincludingsocialassistance,counselling andmaterialassistanceincaseswherefundingisavailable(Article1.4and2.10).FurthertheKosovoLawon FamilyenliststheCentresforSocialWorkasguardianshipauthorityforchildreninneedofsocialprotection (UNMIKRegulation2006/07onthePromulgationoftheKosovoAssemblyFamilyLaw2004/32,Art.6, paragraph2. 83
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responding to cases of domestic violence.64 NGOs are also engaged in offering shelter, counselling, and other forms of assistance to victims of domestic violence. The Domestic Violence Regulation includes a detailed description of roles and responsibilities on protection against domestic violence, including responsibilities of law enforcement authorities (i.e. police). The specific section on law enforcement response in protecting cases of domestic violence is appraisable. Further, the Domestic Violence Regulation underlinestheneedforclosecooperationbetweenvariousagenciessuchasCSWs,VAs,and policeinofferingprotection. As a perplexed legislation, however, the applicable law has affected practically the rolesofvariousagenciesandtheirperformancemandatedbylaw.65Researchhasfounda number of failures concerning the institutional response to domestic violence in Kosovo, including: the lack of professional capacities to work with sensitive cases of domestic violenceandgenderbasedviolenceingeneral;toofewwelltrained,professionalpolicefor domestic violence response, especially on night patrols;66 the failure of social services to represent childrens best interests in accordance with applicable law;67 the failure of the judiciary(i.e.courts)toinvolvesocialservicesevenifrequiredbylaw;68alackofhumanand financial resources to respond appropriately to cases in need of protection; the failure of victim advocates to safeguard rights of victims in accordance with applicable law;69 and a lackofcoordinatedresponsefromthekeyagenciesconcerned.70 Thefirstresponseofinstitutionswhencalledtoaddressreportsofdomesticviolence often has been to remove women and sometimes children from their homes and place them in shelters while perpetrators remain home.71 From 2005 to 2007, KPS arrested suspectsinonly30percentofthereportedcases,andcourtsorderedprotectionordersin only9.2percentofcases.72Removingvictimsfromtheirhomesandplacingtheminshelters disempowers them financially and socially, placing them at a disadvantage regarding
Foradetaileddescriptionofthelawsgoverningtheresponsesincasesofdomesticviolenceandtheroles andresponsibilitiesofMinistryofJustice,MinistryofHealth,andMinistryofLabourandSocialWelfare,see KWN,ExploratoryResearch,Appendix2ontheLegalFramework,7784. 65 OmbudspersonsAnnualReporttoAssemblyofKosovo20062007sectiononGenderEquality6272. 66 Shelterrepresentatives,KWNsurveys,2008. 67 ForexampleArticle6oftheKosovoAssemblyFamilyLawsetsthebasisfortheadministrativemunicipal bodyascompetentforsocialissues.Further,Article7oftheKosovoAssemblyLawNo.02/L17onSocialand FamilyServices,promulgatedbyUNMIKRegulation2005/46appointsastheadministrativemunicipalbodythe municipalCentreforSocialWork(quotedinOSCEMissioninKosovoreportonDomesticViolenceCases,2007, 11). 68 ForexampleAreviewoftheCriminalJusticeSysteminKosovo,1September200028February2001, DepartmentofHumanRightsandRuleofLawoftheOSCEMissioninKosovoSection6and7ontheRightsof VictimsIandII,SexualViolenceandIntraFamilialViolence. 69 Ibid. 70 Ibid.NGOsalsooftencomplainedthatinstitutionsdidnotfollowpreciselyproceduresinaccordancewith theirmandate.SeeKWN,ExploratoryResearch. 71 Liria,KWNsurvey,2008. 72 WhileKPSdoesnothavetheauthoritytoprovideemergencyprotectionorders(seebelow),KPSassigned suchordersanywayin0.2percentofcases.Someregionsarrestedsuspectsmorefrequentlythanothers.Peja imprisonedthemostsuspects:48percentofthecasesreportedinthatregionfrom2005to2007.Prizren imprisoned33percent,Mitrovica32percent,Prishtina26percent,Ferizaj26percent,andGjilanonly14 percentofcases.EightypercentofthecaseswerereferredtoaVictimAdvocate,64.9percenttoaCSW,and 5.9percenttoashelter. 84
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property rights, potentially separating them from their children, and isolating them from othernaturalsupportmechanismslikefamilyandfriends.73 When women are removed from or forced out of their homes, abusers often maintained custody of children because women cannot afford to care for the children financially.74 Traditionally, children often remain with the fathers family when a couple is separated.75 According to two SSOs, child custody is still not adequately addressed within existing law. If a victim wants to have her children with her, she does not have a lot of opportunities as to where she can go, they said.76 In cases where the father has perpetrated violence, this can place children in danger of further violence.77 The decision regardingtowhomcustodyshouldbeawardedshouldbebasedonaclearlegaldefinitionof parental rights, and decisions should consider various factors, not only material wealth.78 The breaching of child visitation rights also has been punished rarely and requires addressing.79 Recent reports resulting from the monitoring of domestic violence cases in courts have shown the failure of social services (CSWs) to protect the rights of children when required by law.80 CSWs either failed to show up at sessions when required to do so by courtsorinsomecasesofferedviewscontrarytovictimssafetyandhealth.81Forexample, theLegalSystemMonitoringSectionoftheOSCEMissioninKosovomonitoredacaseinthe municipalcourtofGjilanwhereamotherpetitionedforaprotectionorderforherselfand the child (both victims of domestic violence) and requested her return in a common residencewiththeperpetrator.TheCSWfailedtoattendthecourtsessioneventhoughthe courtregularlysummonedtheSSOsandthejudgeissuedtheprotectionorderevenifthis could endanger the health and well being of the mother without the view of the CSW on whatwouldbeinthebestinterestofthechild.82Inothercases,SSOssaidthecourtoften failedtosummonthemorleftthemoutofcourtprocedures.83
AccordingtoLiria,therearenotenoughmeasuresinplacetoprotectwomenandensuretheyreceivetheir shareofmaritalassets. 74 SafeHouseGjakova,KWNsurveyandtelephoneconversation,2008. 75 Forexample,ayoungAlbanianwomanfromPodujevomunicipalitydescribedthecaseofherneighbour: Thehusbandusedtobeathiswife,andevennowthattheyaredivorcedhedoesntallowhertoseeherchild. Shedoesnthavethisright.Thewomancomplainedtoinstitutionsbuttheydidntdoanything.Nowherchild islivingwithherexhusband.Themanhasremarried,butalsothatwomanisviolatedbyhermotherinlaw andsisterinlaw.Theybeatherveryoften.Wehearbadnoisescomingfromthere.Notonlywasthewoman victimnotgrantedcustodyofherchild,butthemancontinuedtoperpetrateviolencebecausethecasewas notprosecutedproperly. 76 SSOsinFerizaj,KWNsurvey,2008. 77 SafeHouseGjakova,KWNsurveyandtelephoneconversation,2008. 78 UNICEFhasrecommendedthatcourtsinterpretthebestinterestofthechildmorebroadly(UNICEF SubmissiontotheCommitteeontheRightsofTheChildinToSpeak,Participate,andDecideTheChilds RighttoBeHeardGeneva,15September2006,Section8. 79 Liria,KWNsurvey,2008. 80 DepartmentofHumanRightsandRuleofLawoftheOSCEMissioninKosovo,AreviewoftheCriminal JusticeSysteminKosovo,1September200028February2001,Section6and7ontheRightsofVictimsIand II,SexualViolenceandIntraFamilialViolence.AlsoseeDepartmentofHumanRightsandRuleofLawMonthly PublicReportsoftheLegalSystemsMonitoringSection(MarchandAugust)2005. 81 Ibid. 82 Ibid. 83 SSO,KWNsurvey,2008. 85
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NGOs have also complained regarding the professional performance of CSW staff whotendedtoresolvecasesbypushingreconciliationandsendingchildrenbacktoabusive homes.84 Social workers do not always consider the needs of victims for legal representation, medical assistance and psychological assistance, but emphasize the reconciliationofcouples,theOmbudspersonreported.85Indeed,aSSOtoldKWN,Wedo notsupportshelters,andwetrynottomentionthemasthefirstopportunityfor[victims] becausewearetryingnottomakewomenleavetheirhomes.86Whileinsomeinstances family counselling is possible, in other cases the extremity of the violence and/or the likeliness of repeat violence may mean that family reconciliation is not possible or preferableconsideringthesafetyofthevictim(s).Encouragingwomentoremaininviolent situationscanputthematriskofcontinuedviolence,potentialinjury,aswellasdiscourage themfromsummoningthecouragetoreportviolenceagain.
AcaserelayedbyaKPSofficerillustratedthemanyproblemsinstitutionsencounteredin safeguardingavictimsrightsandofferingprotection: Thevictimhadgrievousbodyinjuries,trauma,fear.Shewasveryafraidaboutherson. Shewasafraidthatherhusbandwouldharmhimaswell.Sincetheguywasaminor, wecalledtheCSW.Theyaskedustopickthemupbecausetheydidnthavetransport, sowewentandtookthesocialworker(butyouknowitisnotaKPStask.Wecant serveasatransportationinstitutionforotherinstitutions.Wehavealackofcarsas well).AftertheCSWtookthechild,theygavetheparentalrighttotheabuser.Before thisdecision,wegavetheCSWandthecourtthevictimsdeclarationwherethevictim said,Meandmysonhavesufferedconstantlyphysicalviolencefrommyhusband. Thevictimadvocatedelayedsendingthetestimonyofthevictimtothecourt,aswell. Thecourtpunishedtheabuserwithonlyonemonthinprison,andheisfreetodecide whenhewantstogothereforthismonth.Thevictimhasbeenintheshelterforthree yearsnow,andshedoesnthaveanyinstitutionalsupport. Theofficersaidthatvictimsshouldnotbeclosedinshelters.Thelawshouldfunction properly,awardingvictimstheirshareofproperty,andinstitutionsshouldoffera reintegrationprogram.
Although clients often requested protection orders, institutions seldom offered assistance with securing the protection order, according to Liria shelter. Current legal aid legislationinKosovodoesnotforeseespecificallyvictimsofdomesticviolenceasacategory eligibleforfreelegalcounsellingandrepresentation.Legalaidiscurrentlynotavailableto victims but only to persons with particular social conditions.87 The District Bureau for JuridicalHelp,establishedinJanuary2008asanindependentunitwithinthegovernment,88
OSCEMissioninKosovo,VictimsAdvocacyandSupportSectionReportontheCentresforSocialWork: SocialServices,February2003. 85 ActingOmbudspersonofKosovoAnnualReport2006/2007totheKosovoAssembly,16. 86 KWNsurvey,June2008. 87 UNMIKRegulation2006/36onLegalAidinKosovo,Section10. 88 TheunitreportsdirectlytotheAssemblyofKosovo,accordingtotheRegulationonJuridicalHelp(2006/36). AllinformationpresentedhereabouttheunitfromaninterviewwiththeLegalOfficer,DistrictBureaufor JuridicalHelp,June2008,Prishtina. 86
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is responsible for contracting lawyers especially from the Lawyers Chamber of Kosovo to provide free legal assistance in cases where the client receives social assistance, is unemployed,orisunabletopay.89Somelawyersspecializeinanddealsolelywithdomestic violencecases,andtheBureaustrivestoselectlawyersofthesamegenderastheclientor allows the client to choose the lawyer of her or his preference.90 As of June 2008, the Bureauhadassisted122cases,25ofwhichwererelatedtodomesticviolence.Officersfrom theBureaualsoprovideinformationaboutjudicialproceduresandcounselclientsregarding legalrights.91RepresentativessaidtheBureauhasgoodcooperationwithcourtsandcases withtheBureauslogoreceivepriorityattention.However,sincetheBureauisnew,citizens andeveninstitutionsmaynotbefamiliarwithitswork.
Theclosureofsheltersduetoalackoffinanceshasplacedwomenandchildrenvictimsat riskoffurtherviolence,asthiscasedescribedbyaVAillustrates: AyearagoIhadtodealwithacaseoffivechildrenwhowereabandonedbytheirparents. Theirmotherleftthemtostartworkasasingerinabar.TheirfatherwenttoUlqintotryto findajob.Sincehecouldntfindajob,hecamebackandallofhisangerheusedagainsthis children.Hebeatshisolderdaughterwhoisonly12yearsoldandtheyoungestwasonly twoyearsold.Neighbourscalledthepoliceandtoldusaboutthecase.WecalledtheCSW andthenweshelteredthematHopeandHomes[childrensshelter]inPrizren,butnow theyclosedthatshelterandwedonthaveaplacetosendchildren.
Kosovo applicable law also foresees that the Victims Advocacy and Assistance Division(VAAD)safeguardsvictimsrights,especiallyvictimsofdomesticandgenderbased violence.92VictimAdvocates(VAs)aresupposed toplayanactiveroleinrepresentingthe interests of victims and advising victims of their rights. VAs are responsible for collecting pertinentinformationandpreparingdocumentationrelatedtocases.However,inoffering supportduringcasesoftraffickingandsexualviolence,includingdomesticviolence,VAsare either rarely present for cases of juveniles or when present have played a very passive role.93 A VA said that the main obstacle was insufficient resources for transportation, food,andclothesforcases.94VAsreportedhavingtousemoneyfromtheirownpocketto cover victims basic needs.95 Some VAs lack knowledge in identifying signs of domestic violence. A VA told KWN interviewers, We have a case of a 13yearold girl complaining that a man about 60 abused her sexually, but we still dont know exactly the real story becauseitmighthavehappenedthatthegirldidthat[hadsexualintercourse]accordingto
Forthesecases,lawyersarepaidbytheCommissionforJuridicalHelp. Atpresent,theBureauhas50lawyersbasedinPrishtina,butcoveringcasesthroughoutKosovo.Thereisa shortageofprosecutors,asonlyoneprosecutordealswithallmarriageanddivorcecasesforPrishtina. 91 WhiletheBureauisobligedtocollaboratewithallrelevantgovernmentalandnongovernmentalbodies accordingtotheRegulationonJuridicalHelp,arepresentativesaidthattheirheavycaseloadhindersregular consultationswithVictimAdvocates. 92 SeeUNMIKRegulation2003/26oftheKosovoProvisionalCriminalProcedureCode,Articles81and82. 93 SeeKWN,ExploratoryResearch,andDepartmentofHumanRightsandRuleofLawoftheOSCEMissionin Kosovo,AreviewoftheCriminalJusticeSysteminKosovo,1September200028February2001,Section6 and7ontheRightsofVictimsIandII,SexualViolenceandIntraFamilialViolence. 94 VAinMitrovica,KWNSurvey,2008. 95 VAinFerizaj,KWNSurvey,2008.
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her own will.96 Clearly the VA lacked knowledge regarding the illegality of sexual abuse involvingminors.ThisindicatestheneedforfurthertrainingandcontinuousreviewofVas jobperformancebytheMinistryofJustice.97 Anotherimportantcomponentinofferinginstitutionalprotectiontovictimsisaccess tofreemedicalcareandinformation.Inordertorespondsensitivelytocasesofdomestic violence the Ministry of Health and Prishtina Medical School introduced a component on Violence Against Women: Sexual and Gender Based Violence into their Reproductive HealthModuleoftheResidencyProgrammeforfamilydoctorsandnurses.98Studieshave shownthatfemalehealthprofessionalscanutilizetheirskillsandexperienceseffectivelyin improvingcommunityhealth.99InKosovotherearemorewomenthanmenprovidinghealth services.100 However, health providers can be stigmatising or have the same prejudices as the population at large. Research has shown that medical personnel often come across cases of domestic abuse with visible injuries.101 Worryingly, more than 50 percent of the doctorsthatcameacrosssuchcasesdidnotrefernorreportthecases,despitetheirlegal obligationtodoso.102Noneofthehealthcentres(privateorpublic)haddocumentedanyof thedomesticviolencecasestheycameacross.Theextenttowhichthesecentresrefercases to appropriate mechanisms remains underresearched. Although there seems to be a general will by medical personnel to help victims on an individual basis,103 an institutionalised response in identifying and properly referring domestic abuse is needed. Special care and specific protocols are especially necessary for treating victims of sexual violence.104 Oneofthemostseriousobstaclestoprotectingvictimsofviolenceorpersonswho report domestic violence cases is a lack of financial support from the government. No official witness protection system exists for witnesses or victims of violent crimes committedindomesticrelationships.Theonlygovernmentrunshelter,theInterimSecurity Facility (ISF), deals only with highrisk cases that are usually related to trafficking or politicallyimportant(e.g.,interethnicviolence).ThelevelofriskisdecidedbyKPSpriorto bringingthevictimtotheshelter.Atpresent,adultvictimsandtheirchildrenconsideredlow or medium risk are taken to one of six nongovernmental shelters located in Prishtina, Gjilan, Mitrovica, Gjakova, Peja, or Prizren. Children are taken to Hope and Homes for Children, a recently localized nongovernmental shelter located in Prishtina; its other
SeeKWN,ExploratoryResearch. SeeKWN,ExploratoryResearch,andOSCEMissioninKosovo,AssessmentReportontheReferral MechanismstoIdentifyandAssistVictimsofTrafficking,SectiononVictimAdvocates. 98 UNFPA,ACaseStudyofGenderBasedViolenceinKosovo,(2004),13. 99 SeeGovernmentofPortugal. 100 UNFPA,ACaseStudyofGenderBasedViolenceinKosovo,19.SeealsoKWN,ExploratoryResearch. 101 KWNhasshownthatoutof37gynaecologistsinterviewed13sawbetween819and1,372casesof domesticviolenceduringtheirpractice.Outof37gynaecologistsinterviewed,onlyfivehadneverseena womanwhohadexperienceddomesticviolence(ExploratoryResearch). 102 TheProvisionalCriminalCodemakesitacriminaloffenceifanofficialoraresponsiblepersonfailstoreport acriminaloffencediscoveredduringtheexerciseoftheirduty,ifsuchanoffenceispunishableby imprisonmentofatleastthreeyearsandshouldbeprosecutedexofficio,seeArt.304(2).TheKosovoCriminal Codemakeslightandgravebodilyinjuryinadomesticrelationshipapunishablecrimethatneedstobe prosecutedexofficio.TheCriminalCodeforeseesthattheperpetratoroflightbodilyinjurymayreceive minimumsixmonthsandmaximumthreeyearsimprisonmentwhilstforgravebodilyharmsentencesrange fromonetofiveyearsimprisonment. 103 SeeKWN,ExploratoryResearch. 104 MedicaKosova,KWNsurvey,2008.
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locationinPrizrenwasforcedtocloseinDecember2007duetoalackoffunds.105Kosovo applicable law allows for social service provision to be offered by nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) if licensed by MLSW.106 All shelters provide safe housing, food, clothes, toiletries, basic healthcare, counselling, legal advice, skills training, awareness raising on various topics, and educational opportunities.107 Some help clients secure employment upon leaving the shelter. NGO shelters have also raised awareness about domesticviolenceintheircommunitiesaswellasfilledgapsunmetbyinstitutions.108Asof 2007,sheltersassistingvictimsofdomesticandotherformsofgenderbasedviolencehad housedmorethan2,491clientsinneedofsocialprotection.109 Asmostshelterswereestablishedimmediatelyafterthewarandinresponsetoan urgentneedtoprotectvictimsfromfurtherviolence,110minimaltimehasbeenavailablefor furtheringtheirinstitutionalcapacity.Shelterstaffmembershaveattendednumerousone tofivedaytrainingseminarsprovidedbyinternationalorganizationsonbroadertopicslike identifyingdomesticviolence,assistingvictims,advocacy,casemanagement,andtrafficking, among other topics. However, few shelter staff have completed degrees in psychology or counsellingandthereforelackadequateknowledgeregardingappropriate,sensitivewaysof approaching and assisting victims of violence or trauma.111 A few counsellors, like some representatives of institutions, tended to blame the victim.112 For example, a counsellor said, Women talk too much, control their husbands, and in this way they influence their husbands to be violent toward them. Shelter counselors, like civil servants dealing with domesticviolence,clearlyneedadditionalprofessionalqualificationsincounselling,aswell aspermanentsupervisionfromtrained,experiencedpsychologistsorpsychiatristssoasto avoidretraumatizingvictims.113 Although the government, including KPS, VAs and CSWs, relies heavily on the servicessheltersprovidetovictimsandtheirchildren,allsheltershavestruggledfinancially. Duetoalackoffundingforbasicoperationalcosts,somesheltershaveclosedperiodically, leaving victims including children unprotected and in one instance sleeping at the local police station.114 In 2005, MLSW started covering 50 percent of the shelters expenses. However, MLSW would not support pertinent costs like staff and operations (e.g., rent, electricity,water,andphone).Further,nolongtermagreementmakesclearthatMLSWwill
Noparticularsheltersexistformenorforpersonswithdisabilities.Onlythelattercanbehousedinthe existingshelters.Afewrespondentsrecommendedthatsuchsheltersbeestablished(KWNsurvey,2008). 106 UNMIKRegulation2005/46onthePromulgationofKosovoAssemblyLawonSocialandFamilyServicesNo. 02/l17,Art.8ontheRoleoftheNonGovernmentSectorstatesthatNGOsmaybecontractedbythe DepartmentofSocialServices(DSW)toofferSocialandFamilyServicesforpersonsinneed(i.e.victimsof domesticviolence).Art.2.2statesthattheDSWshouldguideandadvisethenongovernmentalsector. 107 Formoreinformationabouttheshelters,theirfunctioning,andcooperationwithinstitutions,seeKWN, ExploratoryResearch,6064. 108 UNFPA,ACaseStudyofGenderBasedViolenceinKosovo,(2005),19. 109 SeeOSCEMissioninKosovoAssessmentReportonEstablishingtheKosovoReferralMechanismforvictims oftraffickinginhumanbeings,October2007,sectiononProtectionofVictimsofTrafficking. 110 OnlytheCentreforProtectionofWomeninChildren(CPWC)shelteredwomenandchildrenbeforethe war. 111 KWN,ExploratoryResearch,61. 112 Ibid.WilliamRyancoinedthetermblamingthevictiminhisdescriptionofeducationaltheoriesthat blamelowincomeminorityfamiliesintheU.S.forlackingtheculturalcapitaltodowellatschool(Blaming theVictim,VintageBooks,1976). 113 KWNprovidedclear,detailedrecommendationsforsheltersinitspriorreport(ExploratoryResearch,61 and69).TheKWNsheltersneedsassessmentcontainsfurtherrecommendations(internaldocument,2007). 114 KWN,ExploratoryResearch,63. 89
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cover shelter expenses beyond 2008.115 Government representatives have argued that covering fully the expenses of NGOs would mean practically that NGOs would become governmentalinstitutions.116However,theLawonSocialandFamilyServicesforeseesthe process of licensing NGOs as service providers and does not state that funding of shelter servicesofferedbyNGOsshouldbepartial.NGOsshouldbecontractedfortheservicesthey provide and monitored by MLSW as their donor. The absence of a governmental witness protection system and the number of victims assisted by shelters to date illustrates the needforcontinuousgovernmentalfinancialsupporttoNGOshelters. Police officers, VAs, and SSOs also reported funding shortages that impacted the qualityofassistanceofferedtovictims.CSWsespeciallyconsistentlylackadequatebudget forcarryingouttheirresponsibilities.117ASSOcommented: The CSW now is in a very critical position. We dont have money for example for phonecards.[W]henitcomestotravellingwedonthavevehiclestogotoaplace, sowehavetowaituntilKPShastimetocomepickusupandtakeus.Welackbasic needs, which inhibits us from doing our work as we should. These things have to change.118 CSWsmustcarryoutmonitoringresponsibilities,especiallyregularvisitstofamilieswhere violencehasoccurred.However,partiallyduetothelackoffinances,CSWsalsostruggledto monitor households where violence was reported previously or where victims returned aftershelterstays.Socialworkersalsosaidtheyhadinadequateprotectionforhomevisits, and that there was a general lackof social protection for victims during the rehabilitation andfamilyintegrationphase.119SSOscalledforbetterworkingconditions,betterprotection duringfamilyvisits,bettersalaries,andtransportationinordertocarryouttheirduties.120 The overall coordination among bodies responsible for treating victims and for followingcasesuntiltheydonotrequirefurthertreatmenthasalsofacedchallenges.121For example,aKPSofficersaidthatcourtsoftenfailtoinformpoliceafterprovidingvictimswith aprotectionorder.122Anuncleardivisionofrolesforeachinstitutionhassometimesmeant overlap,forexample,ininterviewingclients,documentingcases,andmaintainingrecords. Thelackofclarityhasalsoresultedingapsregardingwhichinstitutionshouldtakethelead inofferinglegalaid,defence,andprotection.123Inclarifyingtherolesandresponsibilitiesof various institutions to protect victims of domestic violence, the Kosovo Ombudsperson Institution and UNDP organised a Roundtable on Domestic Violence in November 2006. During the discussion, service providers observed a lack of central and municipal coordinationstructuretoaddressdomesticviolence.Amongstotherissues,theroundtable resulted in a recommendation to draft an Administrative Instruction to clarify roles and
KWN,NeedsAssessmentofShelters,2007. KWN,interviewwithDSWrepresentative,2008. 117 AlsoKWN,ExploratoryResearch,2008. 118 KWNsurvey,2008. 119 KWNsurvey,2008. 120 KWNsurvey,2008. 121 OnetoOne,KWNsurvey,2008.AKPSofficerandSSOalsocommentedthattherewasaneedforbetter cooperationamongtheinstitutions(KWNsurvey). 122 KWNsurvey,2008 123 KWNsurvey,2008.
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responsibilities of various agencies.124 The service providers and other institutions present attheroundtablesuchasVAs,SSOs,andpoliceagreedthataworkinggroupforassistance andprotectionbesetupforamultiagencyresponseforumatthecentrallevel.125Sofarthe recommendationhasnotbeeninitiatedbyanyoftheinstitutionspresent. Despite the lack of overall institutional response, institutions and organizations dealingwithdomesticviolencehavetakensomeinitiativetoclarifyrolesandresponsibilities at the municipal level. KPS, CSWs, VAAD, and shelters have formed informal networks, which meet three to twelve times a year, depending on the group.126 In Gjilan, Peja, and Prizren the meetings were organized by the shelters, while in Prishtina and Mitrovica the Domestic Violence Unit of KPS organized meetings. During meetings, stakeholders coordinated their efforts, further clarified roles and responsibilities, discussed ways to improvecooperation,andresolvedproblems.Thegroupshavebeenapositivesteptoward improvinginstitutionalcoordination. Further,sheltersbeganeffortstoestablishaCoalitionagainstSexualandDomestic Violencein2007,aninformalnetworkforcoordinatingpreventionactivitiesandworkingto protect victims through a coordinated approach. The initiative involved the shelters establishing their own standards for operation, in addition to the standards they must follow in order to maintain their license as service providers from MLSW. Shelters also createdajointdatabaseforcasemanagement,trackingthedemographicsofcasesassisted, andmonitoringtheimpactofviolenceonclientshealth. 1.3 Recommendationsforimprovinginstitutionalresponseforprotectingvictims In conclusion, monitoring by the Ombudsperson Institution has shown that courts do not give adequate priority to cases of domestic violence.127 An important factor in providing institutionalsupporttovictimsofdomesticviolenceisaccesstojusticeandfairtreatment, including compassion and respect for dignity.128 Victims should be offered access to mechanismsofjusticeandpromptredressaswellasjudicialandadministrativemechanisms to enable them to obtain redress through formal or informal procedures that are expeditious, fair, inexpensive, and accessible.129 Victims should also be informed of their rights for seeking redress through these mechanisms. Domestic violence cases, especially related to protection orders, child custody, division of assets, and property ownership shouldreceivepriorityattentionbythecourts.Opportunitiesshouldbemadeavailablefor emergencyreviewofhighriskcases.130
OmbudspersonofKosovo,AnnualReport2006/2007totheKosovoAssembly,16. Ibid. 126 InGjilanandGjakova,thegroupiscalledtheNetworkagainstDomesticViolencewhileinPejaitscalledthe multiagencymeetingtosupportvictimsofdomesticviolence,andinPrizrenmeetingwithcooperators(KWN telephoneconversationwithshelters,2008).Somegroupsweremoreactivethanothers,withthePrizren groupmeetingmonthly,Pejaquarterly,andGjilanquarterlytobimonthly.MeetingsinPrishtinaandMitrovica haveoccurredlessfrequently,andnotatallsince2007.InPeja,courtrepresentatives,prosecutors, genealogists,anddoctorsalsoattendthemeeting. 127 Shelterrepresentativesalsocommentedthatcourtsdonotconsiderdomesticviolencecasesapriority (surveybyKWN,2008). 128 ForexampleDeclarationofBasicPrinciplesofJusticeforVictimsofCrimeandAbuseofPoweradoptedby theGeneralAssemblyResolution40/34of29November1985. 129 Ibid. 130 SafeHouseGjakova,KWNSurvey,2008.TheOmbudspersonrecommendedthatcourtsgivecasesof domesticviolencepriorityinordertoissueprotectionordersinatimelymanner.
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Further,theOmbudspersonrecommendedthattheKosovoJudicialCouncilappoint a sufficient number of judges to deal with domestic violence cases.131 Representatives of institutions also recommended that the Ministry of Justice appoint a special, trained prosecutor to deal only with domestic violence cases in each court; increase prosecutors salaries toward preventing corruption; monitor the functioning of the court; ensure faster reviewofcases;andcreateadepartmentforfamilyprotectionwithinthejudicialsystem.In order to expedite the resolution of domestic and other disputes, standards should be developedforthenumberofcasesajudgeshouldsolveinamonthbycalculatingthetime needed to resolve a case; mediators should be involved where possible; more judges and staff should be hired; overtime compensated; judges salaries increased; and new technologies employed.132 In addition, the Kosovo Judicial Institute should offer regular training for judges on domestic legislation related to domestic violence including civil and criminalsourceswithmultidisciplinaryapproaches.133 Continuous training of VAs on the applicable law, genderbased violence and internationalhumanrightsstandardsshouldaddresstheircurrentprofessionalcapacities.It is recommendable that even though VAs are foreseen as an institution under the current Criminal Law to safeguard victims rights, legal aid legislation is amended to foresee professionallegalrepresentationofvictimsincourts.Legalcounsellorsunderthelegalaid projectinKosovoshouldworkcloselywiththeVAsintheirmandateofsafeguardingvictims rights.Thisshouldsupporttheoverallaccesstojusticeforvictimsandredressforinjustices theysuffered.VAsalsoneedbettersalariesandsecurityintheirwork,theysaid.134 The law that defines social protection services for persons in need is currently not being implemented fully. MLSW as the responsible institution for its implementation has limited capacity in human and financial resources to exercise fully the law and has poorly supervised the NGOs offering assistance.135 In order to implement fully the Kosovo Law on Social and Family Services, it is recommended that the Ministry develop procedures for licensing NGOs as well as clarify current procedures for support. For this purpose the Ministry should create a working group to clarify the provision of sustainable funding for NGOsinaccordancewiththeLawonFamilyandSocialServices.Inclosecooperationwith theMinistryofEconomyandFinance,MLSWcouldalsopushinitiativesalreadystartedby civilsocietyactorstoestablishalawgoverningtaxdeductibledonationstononprofit,non governmental organisations. A better legal environment for financial donations would facilitatesheltersandotherNGOscommunityfundraisingefforts.ThenNGOscouldmove beyond sole governmental funding, exploring community funding as an option when developing strategies with a mid and longterm financial focus.136 The strategies should include wider protection objectives with the aim of drafting reintegration and followup schemes for victims. A permanent budget line should be established for at least partial supporttoNGOs,accordingtotheguidelinessetintheLawonSocialServicesthatallowfor thestatetocontractindependentbodiesforservicesthatthestatecannotprovide.
OmbudspersonsReport.Theserecommendationsremaintobeimplemented. TheStatisticalDepartmentoftheSecretariatoftheJudicialSystemintheKosovoJudicialCouncil,paper giventoKWN. 133 Anotherrespondentrecommendedopeningacollegeonfamilyprotectionissues(forexampledivorces, alimony,caretakers,adoption,domesticviolence,parentalrightsforchildren,etc.). 134 VA,KWNsurvey,2008. 135 SeeKWN,ExploratoryResearch,2008. 136 SeeKWN,ExploratoryResearch.AlsorecommendedbyVAinPeja,KWNsurvey,2008.
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TheMinistryofJustice,MinistryofInternalAffairs,andMLSWshouldcontractNGO sheltersonaclientbyclientbasistoprovideprotectionespeciallypriortoandduringcase proceedingsasnootherwitnessprotectionsystemispresentlyinplace.Astandardpricefor sheltering each person can be determined based on the prior sheltering of clients.137 Protectionshouldbeprovideduntilclientsarenolongeratrisk,mentallystable,andableto develop longterm reintegration programs together with SSOs. Other ministries should contribute to specific budget lines for assisting victims, including education and training (MEST),138 healthcare, and professional psychological counselling (Ministry of Health). Further,thegovernmentmustimmediatelyallocatesufficientfundingtoCSWsandVAAD, so they can carry out their duties according to law.139 Part of the financial burden of maintaining shelters, CSWs, and other services for victims of violence could perhaps be placedonperpetratorsthroughfines.140 In close cooperation, MLSW and shelters should also develop a longterm reintegration program for clients after their shelter stay. Current closed shelters could be used for emergency and high risk cases, while open shelters could be used for longterm reintegrationprograms.141Clientsshouldbegiventheopportunitytodecidewhichtypeof shelter best meets their needs and shelters can cooperate to transfer cases to the most appropriate shelter. Each client should have a tailored reintegration plan that they help create together with shelter and SSO case managers. The plan should involve alternative livingarrangementssubsidizedbythestateingovernmenthousingforaspecifiedamount of time, ongoing counselling by professional psychologists, job training opportunities, and assistancewithsecuringemployment.Moretraininginvocationalandotherskillsdesirable by the present job market should be made available to victims of violence.142 CSWs and shelters should cooperate with job placement centres and local businesses to ensure employment so that clients can subsist independently. SSOs should be responsible for monitoring clients progress as a prerequisite for clients to receive continued financial supportfromthegovernment. In accordance with applicable law, MLSW should supervise and evaluate regularly the performance of CSW and shelter staff who are contracted for service provision.143 In caseswhenstaffperformanceisnotevaluatedpositively,disciplinaryactionshouldbetaken immediately, including the hiring and training of new staff as applicable.144 All institutions workingdirectlywithclientswhosufferedviolence,especiallySSOsandshelterstaff,could benefit substantially from supervision by qualified, experienced psychologists.145 In this
WWChasestimatedtheaveragepricepermonthforshelteringonepersonat200euros. Inaddition,MESTshouldensurethatvictimsandtheirchildrenhaveaccesstoschool.Sheltershave reporteddiscriminationinsomeschoolsagainstchildrenresidingatshelters(discussionswithKWN).CSWsare alsoresponsibleforensuringappropriatecareforchildrenwhohavebeeninviolentfamilysituations, includingeducationalopportunities,adequatefinancialsupport,andhealthcare. 139 Apoliceofficersuggestedcreatingaspecialbudgetlineforvictimprotection,includingaspecialbudgetline forthepoliceunitdealingwithdomesticviolence(KPSofficerinMitrovica,KWNSurvey2008). 140 Anotherintervieweerecommendedsecuringfundsforhelpingvictimsthroughtheconfiscationoftoolsby whichpenalactswerecarriedout.Workinggroupswouldhavetodiscussfurtherhowfinesshouldbe channelled,howmoneyshouldbemanagedandbywhom,specifyinghowsuchrecommendationswouldwork inpractice. 141 KPSinPrizren,KWNsurvey,2008. 142 WWC,KWNsurvey,2008. 143 SeeUNMIKRegulation2001/36ontheKosovoCivilServiceonjobperformanceevaluations. 144 RecommendedinKWN,ExploratoryResearch,2008. 145 SSO,KWNsurvey,2008.
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respect, MLSW could draw from the resources available from the University of Prishtina and/or finance scholarships abroad for youth interested in gaining advanced skills and experiencewithsupervision,basedonthecontractualpreconditionthatyouthwouldserve MLSWforasetperiodafterreceivingqualifications.TheUniversityofPrishtinaPsychology Departmentcouldsupportthetrainingoffuturegenerationsofqualifiedpsychologistsand psychiatrists to staff CSWs and shelters, including supervision, by establishing a doctoral program with rigorous demands for students, including extensive training by qualified professorsandyearsofhandsonexperiencesupervisedandguidedbyprofessionals. The recommendation to create a working group on multiagency response to assistance and protection should be considered while drafting the Kosovo Action Plan againstDomesticViolence.Roles,responsibilities,andproceduresforeachagencyassisting cases and referral mechanisms should be further clarified in detail, including government cooperationwithNGOsandmultiagencyresponse.146Theproposedgroupcouldfollowthe goodpracticesoftheDirectAssistanceGroupfortraffickedvictimstodeveloppolicyguides forassistingvictims.ThegroupshoulddraftandsignStandardOperatingProcedures(SOPs) forassistingandprotectingvictimsofdomesticviolence.TheSOPsareanoperativepolicy signedbyagenciesmandatedbylawtoassistvictimsofdomesticviolence(includingNGOs offeringservices).SOPsshouldprovideindetailtheclarificationofrolesandresponsibilities ofeachagency.ItwouldbeadvisablethatMLSWtaketheleadindraftingsuchSOPswhen assisting children in accordance to the applicable law.147 Concerning other forms of domestic violence and adult victims, the lead remains with the Ministry of Justice representedbyVAAD.148Thegroupcanalsodevelopmultiagencyguidelinesandmanuals for assistance and protection in accordance with SOPs. Afterward, agencies can use the manuals to provide multiagency training for VAs, SSOs, police, healthcare workers, and shelterstaff.Followinggoodpracticeselsewhereintheworld,149theSOPscouldincludea chapter on reintegrating victims in their communities, as well as analyzing mid and long term strategies for assistance programs that would empower victims. The reintegration strategy should include plans for temporary housing (community homes) and social assistancepackages150inmunicipalitiesforvictimsnotabletoreturnhomeduetorisksfor theirsafety,health,andwellbeing. KPS and CSWs should be required by law or SOPs to inform victims of all options available. Victims should be given the opportunity to choose which option they prefer, withoutpressurefromofficers.Asamatterofprotocol,policecanberequiredtodistribute information about where persons can receive free, confidential counselling or assistance whenever they arrive at the scene of a domestic violence call, including in cases when
DSW,KWNsurvey,2008.Theyrecommendedimprovingthereferralsystemthroughanadministrative directionorreferraldocument. 147 TheLawonSocialandFamilyServicesestablishesMLSWastheleadagencyincoordinatingsocial protectionworkinKosovoaswellassupervisingtheCSWmandatetoprotectandassistchildren(Article3). 148 SimilarlytheMinistryofJusticeistheauthorityresponsibleforsafeguardingtherightsofvictimsthrough theVictimAdvocatesoftheVAAD(Article81and82oftheProvisionalCriminalProcedureCodeofKosovo). 149 SeeGovernmentofPortugal. 150 ThetypeofsocialassistancethatthesocialworkerisrequiredbylawtoprovideisoutlinedintheSocial AssistanceScheme(SAS)inKosovo,KosovoAssemblyLawno.2003/28.BasedonSection12ofthelaw,itis possiblefortheMLSWtomakearrangementsfortheprovisionofadhocandimmediatesupporttomeet exceptionalneeds.Inanemergencysituation,adomesticviolencecasecouldbequalifiedasanexceptional need.ItistheresponsibilityoftheCSW,asadesignatedauthorityatthemunicipallevel,toadministerthe provisionofsupportforcoveringexceptionalneedsofpersonsinneed(MLSWandOSCE). 94
146
persons at the scene deny violence occurred. KPS should have specific guidelines and proceduresforevaluatingthelevelofriskofthevictimandbasedonthatevaluationoffer additionalprotectionortaketheperpetratorintocustody.Additionalprivateofficessimilar to those that already exist in some stations should be established in police stations for confidential interviewing of persons who suffered violence.151 While taking statements, police should attend to victims emotional wellbeing.152 Victims should not be treated as suspects.153Victimsshouldbeinterviewedbypoliceofthesamegenderandinthepresence ofVAs. In order to implement appropriately operative procedures, institutions such as MLSW,theMinistryofJustice,KPS,theMinistryofHealth,aswellasNGOsshouldprovide ongoing, mandatory, advanced multidisciplinary training for staff on: their roles and responsibilitiesinaccordancewithapplicablelawandinternationalhumanrightsstandards; domestic violence in Kosovo; social and cultural practices that may approve violent behaviours at home; recognizing symptoms of trauma; a sensitive approach to assisting victims; and gender equality in general. The trainings should be based on the available proceduresandmanualsforassistingdomesticviolenceclients.Institutionscandrawfrom theexpertiseofNGOsinbuildingthecapacityofthejudicialsystemandotherbodies.154 TheMinistryofHealthshouldbemoreproactiveandpartofacoordinatedreferral mechanism to assist and protect victims of domestic violence, perhaps as part of SOPs. Health workers should be prepared and required to inform potential victims of violence abouttheirrightsandwheretheycanseekassistance.Medicalexaminationsshouldoccur immediatelyafterviolenceisperpetratedandshouldremainconfidential.Reportsshouldbe unbiased, describing injuries. The Ministry should be involved in financing professional psychologicalcounsellingforvictims,abusers,andtheirfamilies,includingthoseresidingat shelters. The Kosovo Action Plan against Domestic Violence should foresee funding for continualtrainingofhealthpersonnelforbothprivateandpublicordinancesunderthelead of the Ministry of Health. Training should cover definitions of violence against women, the forms and scope of violence, impacts on women and girls specifically, the costs of violence, howtoidentifysignsofviolence,theneedsofthoseinvolved,andappropriateresponses.155 Healthworkersinpublicandprivateordinancesshouldbetrainedinandapplypsychosocial anamnesis and a psychosomatic approach when assisting clients, especially for gynaecologicaltreatmentandwhentreatingvictimsofsexualviolence.156Suchanapproach would enable health workers to identify cases of violence. Further, healthcare workers should be required to abide by higher levels of professionalism and confidentiality in treatingallpatients.TheirperformanceshouldbemonitoredmorecloselybytheMinistryof Health,andworkerswhobreachconfidentialitycodesorareinvolvedinmalpracticeshould losetheirlicenses.
151 152
OnetoOne,KPSofficerandVAinMitrovica,KWNsurveys,2008. Ibid. 153 OnetoOneorganization,KWNSurvey,June2008. 154 RecommendationbyPartnersKosova,aswellasnumerouscitizens. 155 SeeGovernmentofPortugal. 156 MedicaKosovaandWWC,KWNsurveys,2008. 95
2. LegalandInstitutionalGapsforProsecutingPerpetrators Afterdescribingthelegalandinstitutionalresponseinprosecutingperpetratorsofdomestic violence,thissectionproposesrecommendationsforimprovingresponse. 2.1 Legalandinstitutionalresponse Effective prosecution of perpetrators is essential when addressing criminal acts related to domesticviolence.157TheapplicablelawinKosovoprovidesmanyavenuesforprosecuting domestic violence. The Provisional Criminal Code of Kosovo (criminal code), UNMIK Regulation 2003/01 Amending the Applicable Law on Criminal Offences related to Sexual Violence (including marital rape), UNMIK Regulation 2003/12 on Protection against Domestic Violence (the Domestic Violence Regulation) and the Law on Public Peace and Order define a number of crimes and acts or omissions under which domestic violence is investigatedandprosecuted.Sanctionsvarybasedonthenatureandseverityofthecrime, rangingfromminimumthreemonthsupto15yearsimprisonment.158 From a legal perspective, a number of failures have been identified in prosecuting perpetrators and offering redress to victims of domestic violence. As mentioned, Kosovo criminal law does not define domestic violence as a crime per se, and the definition of domestic violence in the Domestic Violence Regulation but not the criminal code has causeddifficultieswiththepracticalimplementationoflegislation.Further,confusionexists due to the numerous provisions for combating domestic violence within criminal and civil lawsources. Although criminal law provides different venues for prosecuting perpetrators of criminal offences committed in a domestic relationship, punishments for these crimes are notbeingadministeredproperlyinpractice.159Thenumberofsexualanddomesticviolence cases processed in courts when compared to the number of domestic violence cases reportedandthenumberofshelteredvictimsismarginal.160AccordingtoKPSrecords,from 2005 to 2007, approximately 2.1 percent of the domestic violence cases recorded were dismissedwithoutgroundsand1.3percentwereunderinvestigationatyearsend.161
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SeeGovernmentofPortugal. TheCrimescommittedinadomesticrelationshipundertheKosovocriminallawarelistedinchaptersunder criminaloffencesagainstlifeandbody;criminaloffencesagainstlibertiesandrightsofpersons;againstsexual integrity;criminaloffencesagainstmarriageandfamily;criminaloffencesagainstpropertyandagainst internationallaw.Someofthecrimeswhencommittedinadomesticrelationshipare:LightandGrievous BodilyHarm(Articles153and154);Coercion(Article160);Threat(Article161);Unlawfuldeprivationofliberty (Article162);RapeIncludingmaritalrapeandsexualassault(Article193,195);Degradingthesexualintegrity ofthevictim(Article196);Sexualabuseofpersonswithmentaloremotionaldisordersordisabilitiesina domesticrelationship(Article197);Unlawfulabductionofachild(Article210);Mistreatingorabandoninga child(Article211);Violatingfamilyobligations(Articles212,213);Establishingslavery,slaverylikeconditions andforcedlabour(Article137)andcrimesagainstpropertywhencommittedinadomesticrelationship includingcrimesoftheft,aggravatedtheft,misappropriationortakinginpossessionthemovablepropertyof thevictim,damagingthemovablepropertyincludingfraudaswellasdamagescausedtothepersonsrightto property(Articles252,253,257,258,260,261oftheProvisionalCriminalProcedureCodeofKosovo, Regulation2003/25). 159 ShelterrepresentativesandCouncilforDefenceofHumanRightsandFreedoms,KWNsurvey,2008. 160 Seestatisticsinchaptertwo.Seealso,KWN,ExploratoryResearch,2008. 161 Duringthesethreeyears,3,610caseshadgonetomunicipalcourt,69todistrictcourt,andsixtominor offence(infraction)court.Eightytwocaseswereclosedwithoutgroundsand51wereunderinvestigation.The situationappearedtobeimproving.While4.2percentofcasesweredismissedwithoutgroundsin2005,this decreasedto1.3percentofcasesin2006andonly0.6percentofcasesin2007.Fromthecasesthatwentto 96
Further,therearenoreportsofautomaticprosecutionsofthecrimeoflightbodily injurycommittedinadomesticrelationshiporofviolationsofprotectionordersasforeseen bytheapplicablelaw.162Presently,lightbodilyinjuriestendnottobeconsideredseriously oraccordingtoprocedurebythecourt;thereforeperpetratorsarerarelypunished.163Inthe OSCEReport,policeclaimedthatthefailure to prosecute was because sometimes Awomancalledthepolice,sayingthat parties reconcile or the public prosecutor herhusbandhadbeatenher.Theywent tothepolicestationandtherethe brings no charges.164 As Liria shelter husbandsaidthathebeatsherbecause explained, during the 72 hours that police hewantstobeather.Afterthistheygot take suspects of domestic violence into backtogetheragain. custody, they ask victims whether they wanttopresscharges.Womenrarelypress Albanianwoman,age3645,Gjakova charges, men are released, and violence repeats itself, shelter representatives said. However,applicablelawdoesnotallowfortheprosecutiontowithdrawfromprosecution or investigation.165 In cases of light or grievous bodily injuries (i.e. when violence is physically visible) or when a previous protection order has existed, prosecution should be automatic.Ifperpetratorscommitacrime,womenshouldnotevenbeaskedwhetherthey wanttopresscharges;theperpetratorshouldbeprosecutedimmediately.166 In recent cases monitored by OSCE, prosecutors at municipal courts in Peja and Leposaviqhavetendednottotakeupexofficioprosecutionsofthecrimeofphysicalharm whencommittedinadomesticrelationship.Forexample: [In]acasebeforethePej/Peauthorities,inFebruary2007thepoliceprovidedthe prosecution with a case file related to domestic violence incidents where a female victim sustained noticeable bodilyinjuries. The public prosecutors officecould not locate the case in its registry. Consequently, a prosecutor never investigated or prosecuted a likely crime. Rather, the Municipal Court issued a protection order againstthehusband.167 And: [In] a case from 2004 handled by the Leposavi/Leposaviq authorities, involving domesticviolencethatresultedinvisibleinjuriesonthewifesface,thepolicecase
courtforwhichsurveyrespondentsknewtheoutcomeofthecase,onlyonethirdoftheperpetratorswere punished. 162 OSCEandOmbudspersonsExOfficioReport. 163 VAinPrizren,KWNsurvey,2008. 164 AnAlbanianmanage2635fromGjakovamunicipalitysaidfamiliessometimeshideperpetrators.Ayoung womanfromPejaknewawomanwhoexperiencedphysicalviolence,butherfamilywouldnotallowhertotell policewhowasabusingher. 165 Article226oftheKosovoProvisionalCriminalProcedureCode(KPCPC)explicitlystatesthatthepublic prosecutorcannotsuspendinvestigationsforcrimescommittedinadomesticrelationship.Further,thecrime oflightbodilyharmforeseesimprisonmentfromsixmonthstothreeyearswellbeyondthelimitofoneyearas requestedbyArticle227oftheKPCPCtowithdrawfromprosecution(quotedinOSCEReportonDomestic ViolenceCasesinKosovo,July2007),18. 166 Liriarepresentatives,KWNsurvey,2008. 167 OSCEReportonDomesticViolenceCasesinKosovo. 97
file was sent to the prosecution. Again, the prosecution never initiated an investigation,asthecasedoesnotappearintheregistryoftheprosecution. Theaboveexamplesillustratetheprosecutionslackofreadinesstotreatcrimescommitted in a domestic relationship, even in cases of visible physical injuries similar to crimes committed outside a domestic relationship. In another case, in Mitrovica Municipal Court the public prosecutor did not investigate a police report of a father allegedly beating his child with a stick. The prosecutor did not prosecute the alleged perpetrator as the file submitted was not completed by police, lacking the medical report that could have indicated bodily injuries. Although police did not provide sufficient evidence, the prosecution should have exercised their duty to investigate the case.168 A KPS officer commented that prosecutors and judges often ignored KPS reports in domestic violence cases,aswell.169 Corruptionwithinthejusticesystemhasbeenblamedforinadequatepunishmentof perpetrators. A respondent said perpetrators sometimes paid judges to reduce their sentencesornotsentencethematall.Otherperpetratorswereletoffbecauseofpolitical connections or prominent relatives.170 For example, a police officer reported a judge allowingaperpetratortofinishhisjailsentencewheneverhewanted.171Thejusticesystem needs to improve its transparency and reliability to build trust with citizens, a shelter representativesaid. In addition, inappropriate classification of crimes related to genderbased violence hasbeenobservedincourtswhencasesareprosecutedexofficio.Thesecaseshaveresulted in lenient sentences for perpetrators.172 Numerous respondents to the KWN survey describedcasestheyknewwhereperpetratorswerereleasedwithlightornosentences.As aresult,violenceoftencontinuedtooccur.173Forexample,anAlbanianmanfromGjakova municipality said he knew a case where the husband was imprisoned for 30 days, but violencecontinuedafterhewasreleasedfromjailbecausethepunishmentwasverylight. Appropriateinvestigationandprosecutioninaccordancewithpunishmentsforeseenbythe applicable law can be instrumental in reducing violence by showing that violence against morevulnerablegroupsisahumanrightsissueandnotaprivatefamilyaffair.174Thecourt
Article226oftheKosovoProvisionalCriminalProcedureCode(KPCPC)explicitlystatesthatthepublic prosecutorcannotsuspendinvestigationsforcrimescommittedinadomesticrelationship.Thecrimeoflight bodilyharmforeseesimprisonmentfromsixmonthstothreeyears,wellbeyondthelimitofoneyearas requestedbyArticle227oftheKPCPCtowithdrawfromprosecution(quotedinOSCEReportonDomestic ViolenceCasesinKosovo,July2007),18. 169 KPSofficerinPrizren,KWNsurvey,2008. 170 WWC,KWNsurvey,2008. 171 Seetheboxinthesectiononprotection. 172 SeetheOSCEAntiTraffickingUnitAssessmentReportonEstablishingReferralMechanismsforidentifying andassistingvictimsoftrafficking(2007)onprosecutionofgenderbasedviolencecrimes.AKPSofficerin Mitrovicaalsosaidthatthecourtdoesnotproscribestrictpunishmentindomesticviolencecases(KWN survey). 173 KWNsurveys.Anotherrespondenttoldofacasewhereamanwhousedviolenceagainsthiswifewas arrestedbypolice.Hewasreleased,returnedhome,andforcedhiswifetolivewithhim. 174 DepartmentofHumanRightsandRuleofLawoftheOSCEMissioninKosovo,AreviewoftheCriminal JusticeSysteminKosovo,1September200028February2001,Section6and7ontheRightsofVictimsIand II,SexualViolenceandIntraFamilialViolence. 98
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shouldapplythelaw,topunishabusersaccordingtotheirpenalactsThelawshouldnot forgive,aKPSofficercommented.Actsshouldbejudgedrightlyandstrictly.175 2.2 Recommendationsforimprovedinstitutionalresponsetoprosecution Thegovernmentshouldleadalegislativereviewworkinggrouptoaddresstheremovalof currentdifficultiesandunclearsectionsoflegislationoraspectsofthelawthatareinconsistent with the focus of domestic violence as a crime. Amending criminal law to incorporate the definitionofdomesticviolenceactsoromissionsincompliancewiththeDomesticViolence Regulation definition176 should also be considered during the legislative review.177 Regular reportingonthehandlingofdomesticviolencecasesincourtsshouldbemadeanobligation of the proposed Office of the National Rapporteur on Domestic Violence (see section 4.1 below). Decisions regarding the division of property and alimony also should be defined clearlybylawanddecidedincourtaccordingtoapplicablelaw.178 The government should establish a training program for court personnel that involves learning opportunities inside and outside the country, drawing from examples of good practices in other countries to further develop and implement law.179 The justice system can then improve the quality of its services by hiring new personnel educated in countrieswithmoreexperiencedandadvancedjudicialsystems.Staffworkinginthejustice system should strive to apply new knowledge learned from training, especially related to organizational management and judicial administration. They especially need to improve communication between all levels of this hierarchical system, as well as with citizens. Training programs could teach personnel communication skills, especially for communicating with citizens. NGOs specialized in capacitybuilding can also offer training basedonexperienceandpracticesusedincountrieswithmoreadvancedjudicialsystems. As part of recruitment practices, hiring committees should strive to improve the gender balanceamongjudges,prosecutorsandotherimportantpositions. 3. LegalandInstitutionalGapsforPreventingDomesticViolence This section first examines the legal and institutional response to preventing domestic violence.Second,itdiscusseshowinformationandawarenessraisingcanservetoprevent future violence. Since few initiatives have been taken on behalf of institutions to prevent domesticviolence,thesectioninvolvesmorerecommendationsthananalysis. 3.1LegalandinstitutionalresponsetopreventingdomesticviolenceinKosovo Implementing existing law can serve to deter citizens from perpetrating violence in the futureandthusbeamechanismusedforpreventingviolence.Ifperpetratorsandpotential perpetratorswereawarethatviolencewillbepunishedaccordingtolaw,theymaybeless likely to perpetrate violence.180 Some citizens, VAs, and KPS officers also suggested that
KPSofficerinMitrovica,KWNsurvey,2008. UNMIKRegulation2003/12onProtectionAgainstDomesticViolence,Section1. 177 KPSrepresentativesalsorecommendedmakingdomesticviolenceaspecificcriminalactwithintheCriminal Code(KWNsurvey). 178 SSOsinFerizajandKPSofficerinPeja(KWNsurveys2008).Propertyisdocumentedusuallyinthenameof thehusband,andherarelylosesownership(MedicaKosova,KWNsurvey,2008). 179 AllrecommendationsinthisparagraphmadebyPartnersKosova,KWNsurvey,June2008. 180 KPSofficersandnumerouscitizenscommentedthatimplementingtheCriminalCodeandpunishing perpetratorswouldpreventfutureviolence(KWNsurvey,2008).Bypatrollingneighbourhoodswhere
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criminal law carry higher sentences for violence committed within the family toward prevention.181 Another popular idea for preventing domestic violence, endorsed by professionals dealingwithdomesticviolenceandcitizensalike,wascreatingarehabilitationprogramfor perpetrators of violence. Kosovo suffers significant shortages in programs or counselling centres for male abusers.182 As Hope and Homes for Children commented, It is very necessary to have counselling centres for perpetrators since in some cases perpetrators themselveswereatsometimeintheirlifevictimsofdomesticviolenceorothertrauma.183 Institutions could cooperate in developing programs at the community level, perhaps throughexistingCSWs,tosupportmaleandotherrecidivistabusersaswellasseekwaysto create community support groups or peertopeer selfhelp groups for perpetrators of domesticviolence.184Anotherrecommendationwascreatingsheltersforabusers,sothatthey would be removed from their homes and receive psychological support instead of the presentlycommonpracticeofplacingwomenandchildrenvictimsinshelters.Suchprograms would prevent future violence by addressing the root causes of violence, such as trauma, substance abuse, or depression among abusers. They could be especially beneficial for personswhocarriedoutviolencewhileundertheinfluenceofalcoholordrugs.185Programs may also contribute to more successful longterm reintegration programs and support case monitoring.AnarticlecouldbeaddedtotheLawonSocialServicesortheCriminalCodefor the mandatory treatment and rehabilitation of perpetrators of violence, including professionalcounselling.186ThentheMinistryofJusticecouldrequirebothabusersandtheir familiestoreceivepsychologicaltreatmentaccordingtotheirneeds.Mandatoryweeklyor monthly counselling sessions for perpetrators should be led by trained psychologists. The MinistryofHealthcouldcooperatewithotheractorsbyofferingprofessionalsforprograms treatingalcoholism,narcotics,andpsychopathologicalcases.187 Similarly, considering findings that violence can be more prone to occur following substanceabuseortrauma,theMinistryofHealthshouldinstallrehabilitationcentresfor persons consuming alcohol, addicted to narcotics, and/or suffering from trauma. The provisionofconfidentialcounsellingbynongovernmentalgroupsmaybemorewelcomed by survivors of trauma and potential perpetrators than seeking assistance from public rehabilitation centres. Therefore, the Ministry could contract and/or financially support NGOsspecializingintreatingtraumaandstressthathavetrained,experiencedprofessionals providingqualityserviceslikeMedicaKosova,theKosovaRehabilitationCentreforTorture
perpetratorswerereleasedaftershortstaysinprisonandmakingtheirpresenceknown,KPSmayalso contributetopreventingviolence. 181 VAinFerizaj,KWNsurvey,2008. 182 OSCEMissioninKosovo,ReportontheCentresforSocialWork:SocialServices,(February2003).Also, WWC,KWNsurvey,2008. 183 HopeandHomesforChildren,KWNsurvey,2008.Anothershelterrepresentativecommentedthatjail alonecouldhaveacounterimpactandthatcounsellingmaybepreferableincertaincases. 184 Thegovernmentcouldencouragedonorstosupportscholarshipsforstudytripstolearnfromsuccessful programselsewhere.Indesigningsuchprograms,thegovernmentcoulddrawfromexamplesofsuccessful programs(see,forexample,SummaryoftheFinalReportontheViolenceAgainstWomenSymposium, IQALUIT,Nunavut,January1820,2006,4, http://www.qnsw.ca/women_violence/documents/SymposiumExecSummaryENG.pdf). 185 KPSofficerinPeja(KWNsurvey,2008). 186 TheproposedLegislativeReviewWorkingGroupcandiscussfromapracticalpointofviewhowbestto implementthis.ThegroupcouldalsoexaminethepracticalitiestoparoleanditsfunctioninginKosovo. 187 SafeHouseGjakova,KWNsurvey,2008. 100
Victims,andOnetoOne.TheMinistryandCSWscoulddrawfromtheresourcesavailableat theUniversityofPrishtinapsychologydepartment,whichrequiresstudentstofulfilpractical hours, often voluntarily. While students are not qualified to provide treatment, they can contribute to the often timeconsuming organizational aspects of such programs. At the sametime,throughtheirinvolvementtheycouldlearnfrommoreexperiencedcounselors, which would contribute to a future generation of counselors for treating such cases and runningsimilarprograms. InstitutionsincooperationwithprivateclinicsandNGOscouldalsopreventviolence by offering family and marital counselling. Numerous citizens emphasized the need for affordable, professional counselling services at the municipal level, especially near rural areas.Whilemanyrespondentssuggestedestablishingcounsellingcentres,thegovernment could use existing structures like CSWs.188 Trained, qualified psychologists could have private offices at CSWs where they could provide marriage and family counselling. Counselorsshouldusepsychosocialanamnesistoidentifycausesofviolenceandassistwith therecoveryprocessforperpetrators.189 Another way the government could help prevent domestic violence is by ensuring thatallcitizenshaveaccesstohigherlevelsofeducation.Accordingtolaw,Kosovarcitizens areobligedtoattendnineyearsofprimaryschooleducation.190TheMinistryofEducation, Sport,andTechnology(MEST)hastheresponsibilitytoensurethatthislawisimplemented. Social assistance and/or education scholarships should be available to women, the poor, RAE,personswithspecialneeds,andothervulnerablegroupsinordertoincreasetheirlevel ofeducation,therebyincreasingthepossibilityforthemtosecurejobsanddecreasingthe likeliness that they will become victims of violence. Further, school curriculum should involvetopicsrelatedtodomesticandotherformsofgenderbasedviolence.191 Consideringthatlowincomefamiliesandfamiliesreceivingsocialassistanceareat higher risk of violence, MLSW could also prevent violence by increasing the amount of monthlysocialassistanceprovidedtofamiliesinneed.Further,theMinistryofEconomyand Finance urgently needs to encourage investment in job creation toward decreasing unemployment and improving peoples basic living conditions. Persons at risk of violence, including those who are economically dependent, women, youth, and people with disabilities should be targeted with training in new skills desirable by the developing job market in Kosovo. Tax incentives and special loan programs could be used to encourage employerstohirepersonsfromatriskgroups. 3.2Informationandawarenessraisingasatoolforpreventingdomesticviolence Although NGOs have led numerous information campaigns about domestic violence,192 citizens still lack knowledge about existing law, their rights, and services available to
SSO,Mitrovica,KWNSurvey,2008. MedicaKosova,KWNSurvey,2008. 190 LawonprimaryandsecondaryeducationinKosovoNo.2002/2,Section7onCompulsoryEducation. 191 Areviewofthepresentcurriculumshouldbeconductedfromthisperspectiveandrecommendations shouldthenbemadeforincludingtopicssuchaswhatisfamilyviolence,whatdoesitinclude,andwhattodo ifafamilymemberviolatesyou. 192 Forexample,KWN,WWCinPeja,LiriainGjilan,SafeHouseGjakova,CPWC,andMotratQiriazihaveallled awarenessraisingcampaignsaboutdomesticviolence.WWChasanannualwhiteribbondaycampaign (symbolizingmenagainstviolenceagainstwomen)thatinvolvesmenandwomenfromthecommunityin cuttinganddistributingwhiteribbons,aswellasamarchthroughPejatoraiseawarenessaboutdomestic violence.
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them.193Intheirwork,representativesofPartnersKosovasaidclientsoftencomplainedthat theylackedinformationaboutexistinglawandlegislationrelatedtodomesticviolence,how legislationisexecuted,andtowhomtheyshoulddirectcomplaintswhentheirrightswere violated.194 The Kosovo government has provided limited support for awarenessraising campaignsthatinformthegeneralpopulationandvictimsregardingtheeffectsofviolence, currently available services, and referral procedures for assisting victims of domestic violence.195 Most campaigns have been ad hoc, without a targeted audience or particular message. In order to prevent future domestic violence, the government and relevant institutions should support technically and/or financially awarenessraising campaigns to educatecitizensaboutexistinglawsandlegislationrelatedtodomesticviolence,howthey can use these laws, which institutions execute laws, and how citizens can approach these institutions.196Futurecampaignsshouldavoidabstracttermslikedomesticviolenceand genderequality,insteadclarifyingsuchtermsinsimplelanguage.Forexample,domestic violenceshouldbeexplainedaccordingtotheconcreteactscitizensareprotectedagainst according to law. Citizens should also be informed regarding the definition of domestic relationship(i.e.,whocouldperpetratesuchacts),asdefinedbylaw.197Campaignsshould dispelsocialmythsaboutviolenceagainstwomeninparticular.Indesigningandimplementing education campaigns, the government should draw from NGO expertise. Institutions can contract NGOs to lead awarenessraising efforts based on their experience, connections withthetargetgroup,andtrackrecordorganizingpriorcampaigns.Informationshouldbe coordinated under the lead of the Kosovo authorities. For example, Kosovar institutions could encourage international donors to fund only awarenesscampaigns identified in the National Action Plan against Domestic Violence and organized with a message and target group agreed upon by the steering group responsible for overseeing the plans implementation.Campaignsshouldbeculturallysensitiveandtailoredtoalocalaudience, asopposedtobeingimportedfromoutsideKosovo.198Awarenessraisingshouldnecessarily involve local or national media.199 The dissemination of information should use a range of media accessible to persons with disabilities and those speaking minority languages.200 Increasing awareness about the present Domestic Violence Regulation or a new law replacingit,NationalActionPlan,whatviolenceentails,andpunishmentsforabusersmay deterperpetratorsfromusingviolence. Inordertofamiliarizecitizenswithrelevantinstitutionsandtheservicestheyoffer, as well as build trust, institutional representatives at the municipal level can be involved directly in awarenessraising efforts. The alreadyexistent informal groups formed by institutions and shelters working on domestic violence at the municipal level could work togetherforacommunityserviceseriesorannualmonthagainstdomesticviolence,during which each institution would lead public discussions and lectures in schools, pensioners associations, youth groups, neighbourhoods, and public spaces about the services each
Seechapterone. PartnersKosova,KWNSurvey,2008.Citizensalsodoubtedthattheauthoritieswouldexecuteexistinglaw. 195 OSCE,AssessmentReportontheEstablishmentofReferralMechanismsforVictimsofTraffickinginHuman Beings,October2007.SectiononSocialInclusionofvictimsincludingvictimsofgenderbasedviolence. 196 Recommendationbynumerouscitizens,PartnersKosovo,CDHRF,VAs,andSSOs(KWNsurvey,2008). 197 VAinFerizaj,KWNSurvey,2008. 198 RecommendationmadebyaKPSofficer(KWNsurvey,2008) 199 WWCandcitizens(KWNsurvey,2008). 200 SeeGovernmentofPortugal.
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institutionofferscitizens.Forexample,KPScouldbuilduponitsexistingcommunitypolicing efforts to lead lectures and public debates in the community.201 Importantly, representatives of institutions should also visit people in rural areas who comprise the majorityofthepopulationandareamongthegroupsmostatriskofviolence,butwhoare oftenneglectedbyinstitutionsandoutreachefforts.202 Ministriesshoulddividefundingonanannualbasisinordertorespondtotheneeds ofvictimsforinformationandassistancebydraftinganddisseminatingregularlypamphlets witheasytounderstandlanguageandinformationaboutwherecitizenscanseekassistance. All institutions, including especially police stations, health centres, CSWs, VAs, NGOs, and courts can distribute leaflets. Police, for example, can make such leaflets available when they arrive at the scene of a domestic violence call. Healthcare workers, especially in emergencyrooms,shouldbetrainedtoidentifycasesofdomesticviolenceandtoprovide informationaboutassistanceavailable. The Kosovo authorities should also develop an effective information service with a consistentlyfunctioning,freeofcharge,24houravailablehelplinethatpersons,friends,or family members of persons experiencing violence can call for confidential counselling, assistance, and referral. Most help lines in Kosovo are run by NGO shelters for victims of domestic violence, which have limited governmental funding.203 They function with irregularity or only in particular regions.204 KPS and VAAD also have help lines. However, policeresponsetodomesticviolencecalls,liketheirresponsetootheremergencycalls,is often slow.205 The VAAD hotline is generally dysfunctional and rarely answered.206 The helplinerunbypsychologystudentsattheUniversityofPrishtinahasunfortunatelyceased functioningduetoalackoffunding.207Helplinestaffhavealsolackedknowledgeregarding theservicesavailabletovictimsandcurrentreferralproceduresinKosovo. Therefore,thegovernmentshouldensureconstantfundingforandfunctioningofa 24hour S.O.S. phone line staffed by trained professionals with rotating shifts. The authorities should make available an additional budget for training helpline staff to offer information on current services and referrals. The helpline should be well advertised throughout Kosovo. An agreement should be made with PostTelekomi Kosovs for the number to be toll free for callers. Helpline counselors should provide information about services available to persons experiencing violence, as well as contact information for the nearest institutions or organizations where callers can seek assistance. All calls should be registered in a database without identifiers (e.g. names, phone numbers, or addresses) in order to track the number of calls made to the hotline, services provided, and other statistical information.208 Counselors answering the hotline should be supplied with
Institutionalrepresentativessaiditwasfeasibleforinstitutionstobeinvolvedinsuchpreventionefforts (KWNsurvey).OnetoOnerecommendedKPShiretrainedpeoplewithexperiencewhowouldalsobemore involvedincommunityoutreach(KWNsurvey,2008). 202 Seechaptertwo. 203 KWN,ExploratoryResearchandKWNNeedsAssessmentofShelters,InternalReport(2007). 204 Allsheltershavenumberspeoplecancall24hoursforassistance.WhenKWNcalledtheVAhotlineon morethanfiveoccasionsinfall2007andmid2008,nooneanswered. 205 SeeKWN,ExploratoryResearch. 206 SeeKWNquotationsfromcasestudiesofshelteredwomenwithchildren(ExploratoryResearch). 207 SeeKWN,ExploratoryResearch,andOSCEMissioninKosovoAssessmentReportontheEstablishmentof ReferralMechanismsforVictimsofTraffickinginHumanBeings,October2007. 208 Inordertotrackrepeatcallersandthenumberofcases,aquestionaskedbycounselorscouldbehaveyou evercalledthishotlinebefore?Ifyes,when?However,questionsshouldonlybeposediftherespondentis safeandpsychologicallystableforansweringquestions. 103
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standardizedformsfordocumentingbasicinformationaboutcallsandcallers,suchassex, municipality, age, and ethnicity. The information can be used later to justify continued funding of the hotline as per the amount of use it receives as well as to monitor demographicgroupsexperiencingviolencethatmaynotnecessarilyreportit.Helplinesas information and support services may put institutions closer to victims and increase the reportingofviolence. 4. EnhancingOverallGovernmentResponsetoDomesticViolence The Government of Kosovo can address the aforementioned recommendations for prevention, protection, and prosecution through the establishment of a guided, coordinated,andmultidisciplinaryresponsetodomesticviolence.First,theGovernmentof Kosovo should take the lead in setting up a national advisory body of governmental and nongovernmental experts to address the enforceability of legislation and protection of victims of domestic violence. The body should take into account discriminatory practices thatmayhampervictimsenjoymentofrightsforeseenbylaw.Thenationaladvisorybody shouldadvisetheKosovoAgencyforGenderEqualityonpolicyanddevelopmentsrelatedto domesticviolencelegislation,policies,andtheireffectiveimplementation.Thebodyshould takeintoaccountthecharacteristicsofdomesticviolenceandprofilesofvictimsinKosovo (i.e.children,women,elderly,andpersonswithdisabilities),209towardmoreinformedand effective governmental action plans and policies. In order to secure the highest political support,theAgencyforGenderEqualityshouldaimforthegroupto beplacedunderthe responsibility of the Prime Minister. The group should consist of senior professionals with decisionmakingauthoritiesandexpertsinthefieldsofdomesticviolence. Under the lead of the Agency for Gender Equality, this body should be involved in immediately drafting a National Action Plan against Domestic Violence.210 The Action Plan should enhance assistance and protection for victims of domestic violence, ensure justice forcrimes,aswellasaddressrootcausesofviolencesuchasdiscriminatoryandtraditional practices. The plan should do this by aiming at effective Prevention, Protection and Prosecution and a crosscutting foundation of coordination and cooperation at the highest governmental level. The plan should involve a clear breakdown of objectives, activities, timelines,andbudgetimplicationsfortheKosovoConsolidatedBudgetaswellaspotential donors. Representatives of institutions also suggested establishing a special fund for the NationalActionPlanfromwhichinstitutionsprotectingvictimscoulddrawresources(e.g., CSWs,VAAD,andKPS).211Thebudgetlinesshouldbeprioritizedsothatmosturgentcosts aremetfirst. ThePlanshouldbebasedonthefindingsandrecommendationsmadeavailableby research on domestic violence in Kosovo, including this report as the most recent and comprehensive analysis of domestic violence in Kosovo. Although the Plan will seek to
Further,theyshouldalsoencouragescholarlyresearchondomesticviolenceinKosovobypublicand privateuniversitiestotrainobjectiveresearchers,supportempiricalresearch,andguideinformed interventions. 210 MunicipalGenderOfficerscouldbegivenspecificresponsibilitiesintheNationalActionPlan. 211 RepresentativesofinstitutionssurveyedbyKWNrecommendedthatthefollowingbodiesfinancethe implementationoftheNationalActionPlan:MLSW/DSW/CSW,MinistryofJustice,MinistryofHealth,Ministry ofInternalAffairs/KPS,MEST(especiallyeducationforvictims),MinistryofFinance,Ministryofculture,youth, sportsandnonresidentissues,MinistryofLocalAdministration,AgencyforGenderEquality,andtheMinistry ofInternalAffairs.Somerespondentsalsosuggestedthatshelters,USAID,UNICEF,theInternationalMonetary Fund,andWorldBankcontribute. 104
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address violence against various family members in domestic dwellings, the Plan should addressspecificallyviolenceagainstmostvulnerablepersonstargetedbydomesticviolence (i.e.women,children,personswithdisabilities,aswellasruralandlowincomecitizens).The Planshouldnotbeseparatefromotheravailableordraftedactionplansandpolicies(e.g., Kosovo Draft Programme on Gender Equality in order to address gender inequalities and rootcausesofdomesticviolenceagainstwomen,theDraftKosovoActionPlanandStrategy to Combat Trafficking in Human Beings, AntiCorruption Plan, etc.). The working group established to draft the National Action Plan by AGE should be as inclusive as possible, involving at minimum representatives of all key institutions, shelters, and NGOs with experiencedealing with this issue. A consultative process will result in the most thorough and comprehensive plan while ensuring buyin from all key actors, so they will have a stakeinimplementingtheplan. The plans objectives should include but not be limited to government action to tackle violence at four levels aiming at effective Prevention, Protection and Prosecution. First,outcomesneedtoaddressstructuralissuesthatperpetuateviolencewithafocuson development of legislation and policy. Second, action is required to promote education through awarenessraising and promoting gender equality. Third, the government must ensurethatvictimsofdomesticviolencehaveaccesstoappropriatesupportandassistance. Fourth, research must be undertaken to monitor and assess developments and review progress.212 The Kosovo Action Plan should look at specific objectives and outcomes to address domestic violence by taking into account the profile of the victims from available researchandsocialdiscriminatorypractices. Theplanshouldinvolveaclearmandateastowhichbodyoragencyisresponsible for monitoring its implementation. A commission comprised of representatives from all pertinent institutions including civil society representatives could monitor the implementationoftheplan.TheAgencyforGenderEqualityshouldsecurefinancialsupport foranannualmonitoringreportregardingtheimplementationoftheplan,whichincludes recommendationsforadjustmentsaswellasthenextplan.213Additionallythegovernment and international donors should support research by capable NGOs consistent with the workbeingdevelopedatthenationallevel,whichcanserveasanindependentanalysisof institutionalprogressandmakerecommendationstowardimprovedresponse. The Government of Kosovo should set up a legislative working group to review the legalframeworkinensuringadequatemeasuresofprotectionforvictimsofdomesticviolence, especiallywomenasthemajorityofvictimsrequestingprotectionorders.Thereviewshould aim to develop clearer guidelines on implementation or amend laws so victims have easy accesstojudicialredressandprotectioningeneral.Theworkinggroupshouldremovecurrent difficultiesandunclearsectionsoflegislationoraspectsofthelawinconsistentwiththefocus on domestic violence as a crime. The existence of different sources in civil and criminal law addressing cases of domestic violence as well as the absence of a definition of domestic violenceperseinthecriminallawshouldbeaddressed.214
ForexampleCouncilofEuropeActionPlanProposalonViolenceAgainstWomen,1998. VAinFerizaj,KWNsurvey,2008. 214 ForexampletheUnitedNationsCommitteeontheEliminationofDiscriminationagainstWomeninits concludingobservationsonthestatereportoftheRepublicofMoldovaemphasisedthatviolenceinprivate dwellingsespeciallydomesticviolenceagainstwomenisahumanrightsviolationandshouldbeconsideredas such.TheCommitteehenceadvisesstatestoensurethatsuchviolenceconstitutesacrimepunishableunder criminallaw,thatitisprosecutedandpunishedwiththerequiredseverityandspeed(Reportofthe CommitteeontheEliminationofDiscriminationAgainstWomen,22ndand23rdSession,UNdoc.A/55/38,17
213 212
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The Domestic Violence Regulation should be adopted as Law by the Kosovo Assemblyinordertohaveawidelyavailable,accessibleandeffectivecivilmeasure(foreseen currentlywithUNMIKRegulation2003/12).TheLawshouldcontinuetoguaranteeprotection, safety, and housing alternatives to all victims of domestic violence, thus increasing victims abilitytoovercomeorleaveviolentsituations.215TheLawshouldbebasedonthecontentsof thecurrentDomesticViolenceRegulation,aswellasclarifyunclearsectionssothatitcanbe fully implemented. The Domestic Violence Regulation or future law must be applied correctly as a tool of empowerment and not reconciliation. If appropriately applied, the Domestic Violence Regulation can ensure that victims of violence reside at their common residence, which can be an empowering alternative to placing victims in shelters for long periodsoftimeandisolatingthemfromtheirfamilyandsociety.Ifthereturnofthevictim tothecommonresidenceisnotsafe,alternativessuchasorderingtheperpetratortopay rent should be made available. The law should provide for victims to begin receiving assistance immediately, including alternative living arrangements subsidized by the government where they could live with their children,216 especially in cases where the perpetratorcannotpay. 4.1LegalandInstitutionalGapsforDataCollection,Research,andMonitoring Inadequatedataregardingtheprevalenceofdomesticviolencecanimpedethereadinessof authorities to handle domestic violence issues and makes difficult activists and relevant authorities efforts to secure resources for responding to domestic violence cases.217 Research has shown that data collection in Kosovo has been sporadic, ad hoc, non analytical,andlackedacoordinatedresponse.218Thebreakdownofdatabasedonthecrime committed, as well as the sex, ethnicity, age, and other demographic information about both the victim and the abuser is extremely important.219 The government can use such data, as well as information as to potential circumstances leading to violence likealcohol, drugs,orunemploymenttodesignfutureinterventionsandprograms,includingprevention, protection, and prosecution measures. There is also a need for research with abusers for analyzing causes contributing to violence and good practices for reducing violent behaviour.220 Findings from such research could be useful in addressing root causes of violence and developing rehabilitation programs for perpetrators that could be more cost efficientthanimprisonment,particularlyforminoroffences. Currently, Kosovo ministries have some empirical data available, but they lack qualified,professionalstaffwhounderstandtheimportanceofdata,howtoanalyseit, or howtouseitforimprovinginstitutionalresponse.221VAADonlyhasminimaldataavailable aboutperpetratorsandvictims.RepresentativessaidthatUNMIK,whichpreviouslyheldall competencies related to justice, has not moved any of its files or shared this information
August2000,paragraph102.QuotedinOSCEMissioninKosovoReportonDomesticViolenceCases,July 2007). 215 SeeCouncilofEuropeActionPlanProposal,1998. 216 SSOsinFerizaj,KWNsurvey,2008. 217 CoE,ActionPlanProposalonViolenceAgainstWomeninEurope(1998). 218 KWN,ExploratoryResearch. 219 CDHRFalsonotedtheneedforfurtherresearchontheextentofdomesticviolence(KWNsurvey,2008). 220 MedicaKosova,KWNsurvey.TheyrecommendedthisbeoverseenandfinancedbyMOJ,withNGOs carryingoutresearch. 221 KWN,ExploratoryResearch. 106
withtheKosovarinstitution.222Littleresearchhasmonitoredregularlytheperformanceof courts related to domestic violence cases.223 In 2007 VAAD began developing a new database for monitoring the cases it assisted.224 However VAs gather only partial information about victims and do not presently have any form for collecting information aboutperpetrators.VAADproducesquarterlyreportswithstatistics,whichareusedduring workshopsandcampaigns,butnototherwisemadeavailabletothepublic.Thestatisticsare not reported to any other governmental body. Presently, VAAD is only able to provide information about the total number of cases assisted without any demographic or geographicbreakdown. The Kosovo Judicial Council statistical department also did not have statistics availableinrelationtodomesticviolencecases.Atpresent,alldocumentsarekeptinhard copyandonewouldhavetogothrougheachcasetocollectinformation.Beforethe1990s, courtswereobligedtocompleteastandardformforeachcase,andtheStatisticalOfficeof Kosovomaintainedalldataoncourtcases,butthisprocedureisnolongerfollowed.225The EuropeanAgencyforReconstruction(EAR)investedthreemilliondollarsinthecreationofa database for use by the courts a year ago, bur few courts possessed computers until this yearwhen500newcomputerswerepurchased.Nextyearthecourtsplantoinstallanew databasesystem. EverypolicestationhasanofficerresponsibleforenteringdataintheKPSdatabase networkedtoallregions.TheDomesticViolenceInvestigationSectorintheDirectorateof HardCrimesestablishedaspecialdatabasefordomesticviolencecasesin2005.Thepolice haveseparateformsforsuspectsofpenaloffences,victims,complaints,andwitnesses.The Sector produces monthly, quarterly, semester, and annual reports with summaries of information,buttheinformationisnotpublished.Thepubliccanonlyaccessthestatistics through the media. At present, KPS is not responsible for reporting statistics to any institution, aside from prosecutors and courts in ongoing cases. KPS should expand its present database to include more information about abusers, which could help identify rehabilitation needs(e.g. treatment for alcoholism, drug abuse, war trauma),226 as well as makeavailablemoredemographicdataaboutvictimsandperpetrators. SSOsalsousestandardformstogatherinformationforindividualcasereportsthat must be compiled within five working days from when the complaint is received.227 Information is then submitted to DSW and entered into adatabase on domestic violence. However, DSW was not able to fulfil simple requests for demographic data from this database made by KWN in fall 2007 and again in June 2008. Despite requirements in the Law on Social and Family Services on the gathering of statistics and publishing and promotion of research by the Institute for Social Policy, such research has yet to be publishedormadepubliclyavailable.AninsidesourcetoldKWNthatalthoughtheinstitute
VAAD,KWNtelephoneconversation,2008. InJuly2007,theOSCEMissioninKosovo,mandatedwithcourtmonitoringwithintheUNMIK administration,issuedacomprehensivereportondomesticviolencecasesinKosovoandtheconductofthe judiciaryinthatrespect.TheOmbudspersonsExOfficioReportconcerningtheImplementationofSection7 and9ofUNMIKRegulation2003/12onProtectionAgainstDomesticViolencemonitoredtheperformanceof judges(November2006). 224 VAAD,KWNsurvey,2008.Atpresent,informationisstoredbothinwrittenandelectronicfiles. 225 AllinformationinthisparagraphfromStatisticalDepartmentofSecretariatofJudicialSysteminKosovo JudicialCouncil,KWNsurvey,2008. 226 MedicaKosova,KWNsurvey,2008. 227 KWN,ExploratoryResearch,56.
223 222
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previouslypreparedareport,MLSWrefusedtoallocatefundsforpublishingitduetoalack ofpoliticalwill.Representativesdidnotwanttoacknowledgetheextentofviolence,the sourcetoldKWN.228 The Ministry of Healths procedures for documentation regarding all cases were lacking.Fewclinicsevenmaintainpatientrecords,whichmakesdifficultqualitytreatment of any patient, including recognizing clients who suffer domestic violence repeatedly.229 KWN has recommended that the Ministry require all clinics to document the number of patients treated for all conditions, including symptoms of violence. All clinics, private and publicshouldberequiredtoreportallcasestreatedforgreatermonitoringofserioushealth issuesinKosovo.230Ingeneral,improveddocumentationandanalysisofthehealthimpact ofdomesticviolenceisneededinKosovo.231 Mostdatacollectedbytheaforementionedinstitutionscontainsvaryingcategories of information and no agency is responsible for compiling and analysing the data from all institutions. Following a review of present data collection systems in Kosovo, KWN has arguedthattheauthoritiesshouldtakeresponsibilityforprovidingadequatefinancialand humanresourcestocollectandanalyzedatathoroughly.232Thebreakdownofdatabysocio demographicgroups,aswellasanalysisofrootcausesofviolenceanditsimpactonsociety can lead to more appropriate policies and interventions. Therefore, the authorities should developconsistentandregulardataanalysisandmonitoringreportsondomesticviolence using standardized forms for reporting with a detailed breakdown of various socio demographicgroups.TheavailabledatamaysupportinstitutionsandNGOsfuturerequests forappropriatefinancialandhumanresourcesforassistingvictims. InordertoimprovedatacollectionandmonitoringofdomesticviolenceinKosovo, the government should establish a Rapporteur on Domestic Violence as an independent monitoring body responsible for information collection, identification of institutional gaps and making recommendations for improving the governments approach. All institutions dealing with domestic violence issues should submit annual statistics with demographic information to this office, which could be funded with contributions from multiple ministries.233 Its main responsibility would be producing an annual report on domestic violenceaddressingtheprevention,protection,andprosecutionobjectives. In addition, the government should provide financial support and/or encourage international donors to finance independent bodies such as NGOs to conduct ongoing monitoringoftheextentofdomesticviolenceinKosovo,theperformanceofinstitutionsin their response to domestic violence, and the processing of cases in courts. Independent auditing can contribute to increasing citizen trust in institutions and governmental transparency,aswellasofferexpertiseandnewideasforconstantlyimprovingtheservices providedbythegovernmenttoitscitizens.Inconclusion,aKPSofficersaid:
228 229
QuotedinKWN,ExploratoryResearch,56. KWN,ExploratoryResearch,60. 230 Ibid. 231 SafeHouseGjakova,KWNsurvey,2008. 232 KWN,ExploratoryResearch,chapterthree. 233 ANationalRapporteursOfficehasbeensuggestedforcollecting,analysingandmonitoringcasesof traffickinginhumanbeingsinKosovo.ForfurthersuggestionsontherolesandresponsibilitiesoftheNational RapporteurseeOSCEMissioninKosovoAssessmentReportforEstablishingKosovoReferralMechanismsfor victimsoftrafficking,RecommendationsSection,October2007. 108
This is really important research [] and I support it, but I think that governmental institutions should be more committed. Plans such as [a National Action Plan against Domestic Violence] should not exist only on a piece of paper, but they need to be implemented,especiallywhenwearedealingwithdomesticviolencecases.[W]eallknow thatifwehaveahealthyfamily,wewillhaveahealthystate.234
234
KWNsurvey,2008. 109
RECOMMENDATIONS
ForLegalandLegislativeReform: Establishanationalbodyorgroupofadvisorswitharangeofseniorprofessionalsand expertsthatwillberesponsibleforcombatingdomesticviolence.TheAgencyforGender Equalityshouldbethepromotinggovernmentalbodyoftheadvisorybodyunderthe responsibilityofthePrimeMinisterofKosovo. DraftandadoptaNationalActionPlanagainstDomesticViolencewithaclearmandate astowhichbodyoragencyisresponsibleformonitoringitsimplementation. Createalegislativeworkinggrouptoreviewthelegalframeworktoensureadequate measuresofprotectionforvictims.Thereviewshoulddevelopclearguidelineson implementationoramendlawssovictimshaveaccesstoredress,compensation,and protection.Itshouldremovecurrentdifficultiesandunclearsectionsoflegislationor aspectsofthelawinconsistentwiththefocusondomesticviolenceasacrime. CreateandadoptacomprehensivelawondomesticviolenceinplaceofUNMIK Regulation2003/12onProtectionagainstDomesticViolence.Domesticviolenceshould beconsideredapenaloffenceandprotection,safetyandhousingalternativesforvictims ofdomesticviolenceshouldbeguaranteed.TheLawshouldbebasedonUNMIK Regulation2003/12andclearlydefinetherolesandresponsibilitiesofagenciesmandated toimplementtheRegulation. Definefurthertherolesandresponsibilitiesofeachagencyinvolvedinprotectionand prosecutionthroughpoliciesand/orStandardOperatingProcedures. Createeffectivelegalmechanismstoimplementlegislationonprotectingvictimsfrom domesticviolencebyengagingcourtstoprioritizedomesticviolencecases. Amendlegalaidlegislationtoprovideprofessionallegalrepresentationforvictimsin courts. Finishalreadyinitiatedeffortstoestablishalawgoverningtaxdeductibledonationsto nonprofit,nongovernmentalorganisations.
ForAllInstitutions: Establishamandatoryrehabilitationprogramforabuserswheretheyreceive professionaltreatmentaddressingrootcauses,suchaschildhoodtrauma,wartrauma, unemployment,alcoholism,orotheraddiction/dependencydiseases. Ensuresupportforexistingshelterswiththefollowingservices:adequatepsychological careprovidedbyqualified,experiencedprofessionals;familycounselling;assistance findingemployment;safeaccommodation;freehealthcare;education;jobskillstraining; legalassistance;andongoingmonitoringtoensurethesituationisstablefollowing returnhome. Establishalongtermreintegrationprogramfordomesticviolencevictimsthatprovides themandtheirchildrenwithsubsidizedhousing,skillsbasedtraining,psychological support,andmentoringaccordingtoanindividualizedprogram,untiltheycansubsist independently. Provideaffordableorfreevocationaltrainingtoatriskgroups,particularlywomen, whichcouldhelpthemsecureemploymentandpotentiallyreduceviolence.
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Ensureallpublicservantsinvolvedinprotectingvictimsandprosecutingperpetrators, especiallysocialworkers,policefromdomesticviolenceunits,victimadvocates, prosecutors,judges,teachers,andhealthcareworkersreceiveongoingmulti disciplinarytrainingfromKJIondomesticviolence,lawandinternationalhumanrights standards,socialandculturalpracticesthatmaycondoneviolentbehaviour,andgender equality.Trainingshouldbebasedonexistingproceduresandmanualsforassisting domesticviolenceclients,supportingmultiagencyresponseandcoordination.Trainings shouldbegendersensitive. Performatleastannualreviewsandjobperformanceassessmentsofsocialworkers, police,victimadvocates,andjudges.Developdisciplinarymeasurestoensurethatthey performtheirtaskseffectivelyandensureminimalfurtherharmtovictims. Developaneffectiveinformationservicewithaconsistentlyfunctioning,freeofcharge, 24hourhelplinesopersonsexperiencingviolencecancallforconfidentialcounselling, assistance,andreferral,asneeded.Makeapermanentbudgetlinetocoverhelpline expensesandtrainingofstafftoofferinformationonservicesavailabletovictims. Organizejointlypublicawarenesscampaignsandcommunityoutreacheffortsregarding domesticviolencethat:clarifyinsimpletermscitizensrightsaccordingtolaw;define whatdomesticviolenceinvolves,includingespeciallymaritalrape;anddebunkmyths identifiedthroughthisresearchthatparticularcircumstancesrenderviolencepermissible oracceptable(includingagainstwomen,children,sexualminorities,andpeoplewith disabilities).Involvemalesupport,aswellasmediathrough,forexample,television seriesthatinvolvesolutionsforviolentsituations,publicserviceannouncements,talk shows,andpublicizeddebates.InformationshouldtargetFusheKosova,Skenderaj, Klina,Lipjan,andShtimemunicipalities;women;peoplewithlessthanasecondary schooleducation;theunemployed;lowincomefamilies;andfamilyorfriendsofpeople experiencingviolencewithmessagesregardinghowtheycanhelp(e.g.,referral, reportingviolence,etc.). Organizeinruralareascommunityoutreachprogramsandculturalinitiativesinvolving messagesaboutdomesticviolence.Themajorityofthepopulationresidesinruralareas andcitizenstheretendtobemoreatriskofviolence,buthavelessaccesstoand knowledgeaboutinstitutionalassistanceavailabletothem. Createanddisseminatepamphletsinpolicestations,healthcentres,CSWs,local organizations,andcourtswitheasilyunderstandableinformationaboutcurrentlawand servicesavailableforvictimsandpersonswhomightassistthem. Usetalkshowsandparentaleducationcampaignstorelaythatequalandespeciallynon violentdisciplinecanimprovechilddevelopmentforbothgirlsandboys. ImplementtheAntidiscriminationLawandensurethatallcitizenshaveaccesstoequal rights,includinginheritanceofproperty,equalaccesstoeducation,representationinthe government,andemploymentopportunitiesperhapsthroughtaxincentivesforbusinesses. Establishaffordablechildcarecentreswherewomencouldbepaidforthiscurrently unpaidlabourandwhichwouldenablemorewomentowork. ForKPS: Requirepoliceofficerstoundergofurthertrainingoninteractingwithpersonswhohave suffereddomesticviolenceandeliminatingstereotypesandprejudices. Ensureaqualityapproachbyinvolvingtrainedsuperiorstomonitorofficersatleast annually.
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Improvepoliceinvestigativetechniques,especiallyinresponsetodomesticviolence. Placemoreemphasisonremovingperpetratorsfromtheirhomes(insteadofvictims), especiallyincaseswherevictimshavechildrenwhomayalsobeatrisk. Buildoncurrentcommunitypolicingeffortstodeliverinformationaboutdomestic violence. Establishadditionalprivateofficesinpolicestationsforconfidentialinterviewingof personswhosufferedviolence.Whiletakingstatements,policeshouldattendtovictims emotionalwellbeing. ForMLSW,DSWandCSWs: Create a working group to clarify the provision of sustainable funding on at least a biannualbasisforNGOsinaccordancewiththeLawonFamilyandSocialServices. Continue to use the professional services and shelter offered by NGOs to victims of domesticviolence.Reviewregularlytheperformanceandqualityofservicesprovidedby NGOsinaccordancewiththeLawonFamilyandSocialServices. Supporttheestablishmentoftheaforementionedselfhelpgroupsforabusers. Provideeasytounderstandinformationaboutdomesticviolenceandplacestoreceive confidentialassistanceatCSWsandtoallcitizensreceivingsocialassistance. Increasetheamountofmonthlysocialassistance. Makepsychologicalcounsellingbytrainedprofessionalstovictims,perpetrators, couples,andfamiliesmorefinanciallyandgeographicallyavailableinclosecooperation withtheMinistryofHealthandUniversityofPrishtinaDepartmentofPsychology. FortheJusticeSystem,includingtheMinistryofJusticeandKosovoJudicialCouncil: Implementexistinglawrelatedtoproperty,genderequality,anddomesticviolence. EnsureadequatefundsareallocatedfromtheKosovoConsolidatedBudgettoincrease thenumberofjudges,increasethecompensationforjudges,andincreasethenumber ofstaff. Makeavailableopportunitiesforemergencyreviewofhighriskcasesandprioritize domesticviolencecases.Considerthecreationoffamilycourtstodealwithallcases relatedtodomesticviolenceanddomesticdisputes. Offer at least annual training for judges and prosecutors by the Kosovo Judicial Institution on legislation related to domestic violence and gender equality. Train staff dealing with domestic violence cases to use a psychosocial approach during legal procedures. Instileasierdocumentationproceduresespeciallyforcasesofsexualviolenceinorderto avoidrevictimizingand/ormarginalizingvictims. Appropriately investigate and prosecute crimes committed in domestic relationships, includinghigherpunishmentsinaccordancewithapplicablelaw. Ensureaccesstolegalaidforvictims.Legalcounsellorsunderthelegalaidprojectshould supportVictimAdvocatesintheirobligationofsafeguardingvictimsrights. Improveefficiencyofthejudicialsystembydecreasingnepotism,increasing professionalism,andensuringfasterprosecutionofcases.
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ForShelters: Develop mid and longterm financial strategies for protection as well as effective reintegration and followup schemes for victims. Community funding should be explored. Ensure that all shelter staff dealing with clients have completed successfully advanced training on establishing trust with clients, identifying trauma, professional counselling, empowerment for clients, and trauma integration. Training should be ongoing and professionalasopposedtoshortterm. Cooperate closely with other institutions to establish reintegration and monitoring programsforvictimsofdomesticviolence. FortheMinistryofEconomyandFinance: Encourageinvestmentinjobcreationtowarddecreasingunemploymentandimproving peoplesbasiclivingconditions. Createaspecificbudgetlinetowhichallministriescancontributeforspecificlineitems related to the functioning of the shelters (e.g., Ministry of Health to medical costs, MLSWtofoodandclothes,MESTtoeducationandtraining,etc.) Offertaxincentivesandspecialloanprogramstoencourageemployerstohirepersons mostatriskofviolence,identifiedthroughresearch. FortheMinistryofHealth: Createamultidisciplinaryteamformedicaltreatment,rehabilitation,andpsychological careforalldomesticviolencevictims.Offerfreehealthcareandpsychological counsellingtopersonsinshelters. Educatehealthprofessionalstoidentifysignsofdomesticviolence(e.g.,through psychosocialanamnesis),reportviolenceaccordingtolaw,anduseasensitiveapproach whendealingwithvictimstopreventretraumatization. Become part of a coordinated referral mechanism to identify domestic violence, assist victims,andreferthemtoserviceswhenoperationalproceduresaredrafted. FortheMinistryofEducation,Science,andTechnology: Ensureallcitizenshaveequalaccesstoeducationalopportunities,especiallywomen,the poor,minorities(RAE),peoplewithspecialneeds,andpeopleinruralareas. Provideeducationscholarshipstotheaforementionedvulnerablegroupsinorderto increasetheirlevelofeducationandthusemploymentopportunities. Reviewprimaryandsecondaryschoolcurriculumtoensureitadequatelyinvolves informationaboutdomesticviolence,sexeducation,genderequalityandfamily education.Reviseasneeded. Targetparentswithinformationabouthowhighereducationforwomenandmencan improvethefamilyseconomicsituationinthelongterm.Followinggoodpracticesof priorcampaigns,mediaspotscouldinvolvemessagesfromprominentmembersofthe community,culturalicons,andlocalsuccessstoriesregardingtheimportanceof education. RecommendationsfortheGovernmentforResearchandMonitoring: Develop consistent and regular data analysis and monitoring reports on domestic violence. All relevant ministries should use standardised forms for reporting. The
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existence of data with sociodemographic breakdown, analysis of root causes of violence, and its effects on the society can lead to appropriate interventions and policies. Establish a Rapporteur on Domestic Violence as an independent monitoring body responsible for information collection, identifying institutional gaps, and making recommendationsforimprovingthegovernmentsapproach.Itsresponsibilitywouldbe producing an annual report on domestic violence with this information related to prevention,protection,andprosecution. Support financially and technically research by NGOs consistent with the work being developedatthenationallevel. ConductKosovowidesurveysregularly,suchaseveryfivetotenyears,soinstitutions andorganizationscanmonitorchangesinpeoplesperceptionsandtheprevalenceof domesticviolence.Ensurethatorganizationsorinstitutionsconductingresearchare bothcapableandallottedsufficienttimetocarryouttheresearchproperly.
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OSCEandtheMinistryforLabourandSocialWelfare(MLSW).RespondingtoIncidentsof DomesticViolence:ManualforSocialServicesOfficers.Prishtina:January2006. Osofsky,J.TheImpactofViolenceonChildren.TheFutureofChildren:DomesticViolence andChildren(1999)9(3):3349inC.J.Newton,"DomesticViolence:AnOverview" FindCounseling.com(formerlyTherapistFinder.net)MentalHealthJournalin February,2001.At:http://www.findcounseling.com/journal/domestic violence/domesticviolenceeffects.html. ParliamentaryAssemblyofCouncilofEuropeRecommendation1450(2000),Violence againstwomeninEuropeathttp://assembly.coe.int. _____.Recommendation1582(2002),Domesticviolenceagainstwomenat http://assembly.coe.int. Philipps,Anne.Multiculturalism,UniversalismandtheClaimsofDemocracy.inM MolyneuxandSRazavi(eds).OUP,2002. Phillips,Janet.ParliamentofAustralia.DomesticViolenceinAustraliaanoverviewofthe issues.Ebrief:Onlineonly,7August2003.At http://www.aph.gov.au/library/intguide/SP/Dom_Violence.htm. Quigley,B.M.andLeonard,K.E.AlcoholandtheContinuationofEarlyMaritalAggression, Alcoholism:ClinicalandExperimentalResearch,Vol.24(7)(ResearchSocietyon Alcoholism,2000),10031010. Reitzel,D.andGough,R.,StrategiestoAddressViolenceintheLivesofHighRiskYouth.In Peled,E.,Jaffe,P.G.andEdleson,J.L.eds.EndingtheCycleofViolence:Community ResponsestoChildrenofBattered. Rivera,B.andWidom,C.Childhoodvictimizationandviolentoffending.Violence&Victims, 1990.5,1935. Rizvanolli,I.,Bean,L.andFarnsworth,N.KosovarCivilSocietyReporttotheUnitedNations onViolenceagainstWomen.KGSC:2005. Rosenbaum,A.,andOLeary,D.K.Children:Theunintendedvictimsofmaritalviolence. AmericanJournalofOrthopsychiatry.1981.51,692699. Roth,D.L.andColes,E.M.Batteredwomansyndrome:aconceptualanalysisofitsstatus visavisDSMIVmentaldisorders,MedicineandLaw.Vol.14(78)(1995),641658. Schuler,Margaret.PutourWorldtoRightsinInstituteforWomen,Lawand Development.ClaimingOurPlace:WorkingtheHumanRightsSystemtoWomens Advantage.Washington:InstituteforWomen,LawandDevelopment.1993. Shakoor,B.andChalmers,D.CovictimizationofAfricanAmericanchildrenwhowitness violenceandthetheoreticalimplicationsofitseffectontheircognitive,emotional, andbehavioraldevelopment.JournaloftheNationalMedicalAssociation,83,(1991), 233238. StatisticalOfficeofKosovo(SOK).LabourMarketStatistics.Prishtina:SOK,2004. _____.DemographicChangesoftheKosovoPopulation,19482006. Straus,M.UnderstandingPartnerViolence:Prevalence,Causes,Consequences,and Solutions.FamiliesinFocusServices,Vol.II.Minneapolis,MN:NationalCouncilon FamilyRelations.1995. Tickner,J.Ann.GenderinInternationalRelations.NewYork:ColumbiaUniversityPress, 1992. UnitedNations.BeijingPlatformofActionfromtheFourthWorldConferenceforWomen. 1995.
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_____.CommitteeontheEliminationofDiscriminationAgainstWomen.Reportofthe CommitteeontheEliminationofDiscriminationAgainstWomen,22ndand23rd Session,UNdoc.A/55/38,17August2000,paragraph102at http://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/cedaw/committee.htm. _____.ConventiononEliminationofAllFormsofDiscriminationAgainstWomen.1979. Availableathttp://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/cedaw/cedaw.htm. _____.ConventionontheRightsoftheChild.1989.At http://www2.ohchr.org/english/law/crc.htm. _____.DeclarationofBasicPrinciplesofJusticeforVictimsofCrimeandAbuseofPower adoptedbytheGeneralAssemblyResolution40/34of29.November1985.At http://www2.ohchr.org/english/law/victims.htm. _____.SecurityCouncilResolution1325onWomen,PeaceandSecurityat http://www.peacewomen.org/un/sc/1325.html. UnitedNationsChildrensFund(UNICEF).InnocentiResearchCentre.DomesticViolence againstWomenandGirls.Florence,Italy.June2000. _____.SituationAnalysisonWomenandChildreninKosovo.Prishtina:UNICEF,June2008. UnitedNationsDevelopmentProgramme(UNDP).HumanDevelopmentReport.YouthA NewGenerationforaNewKosovo.Prishtina:UNDPOfficeinKosovo,2006.Available athttp://www.ks.undp.org/repository/docs/hdr_eng.pdf. UnitedNationsFundforWomen(UNIFEM).RachelWareham.NoSafePlace. UnitedNationsMissioninKosovo(UNMIK).UNMIKRegulation2001/36ontheKosovoCivil Service. _____.UNMIKRegulation2003/01AmendingtheapplicablelawonCriminalOffences relatedtoSexualViolence. _____.UNMIKRegulation2003/12onProtectionAgainstDomesticViolence. _____.UNMIKRegulation2003/25ontheProvisionalCriminalCodeofKosovo. _____.UNMIKRegulation2003/26ontheProvisionalCriminalProcedureCodeofKosovo. _____.UNMIKRegulation2004/18promulgatingtheKosovoAssemblyLawonGender Equality,No2004/02athttp://www.unmikonline.org/regulations/unmikgazette/. _____.UNMIKRegulation2004/32promulgatingtheKosovoLawonAntidiscrimination 2004/03. _____.UNMIKRegulation2005/46onthePromulgationofKosovoAssemblyLawonSocial andFamilyServicesNo.02/l17. _____.UNMIKRegulation2006/6ontheOmbudspersonInstitutioninKosovo. _____.UNMIKRegulation2006/7onthepromulgationoftheKosovoAssemblyLawon Family,No2004/32athttp://www.unmikonline.org/regulations/unmikgazette/. _____.UNMIKRegulation2006/36onLegalAidinKosovo,Section10.7June2006. _____andOGA.WomenandMeninKosovo.2003. UnitedNationsPopulationFund(UNFPA)ACaseStudyofGenderBasedViolencein Kosovo.2005. UnitedNationsteam.MillenniumDevelopmentGoalsBaselineReportforKosovo.Where willwebein2015?March2004. ViennaDeclarationonHumanRights.1993.Availableat http://www.unhchr.ch/huridocda/huridoca.nsf/(Symbol)/A.CONF.157.23.En Weber,RenateandWatson,Nicoleeds.Women2000:AnInvestigationintotheStatusof Women'sRightsinCentralandSouthEasternEuropeandtheNewlyIndependent States.Vienna:InternationalHelsinkiFederation.2000.
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Widom,C.S.Theintergenerationaltransmissionofviolence.NewYork:HarryFrank GuggenheimFoundation,1989. Wolfe,D.A.,Wekerle,C.,Reitzel,D.andGough,R.,StrategiestoAddressViolenceinthe LivesofHighRiskYouth.InPeled,E.,Jaffe,P.G.andEdleson,J.L.(eds.),Endingthe CycleofViolence:CommunityResponsestoChildrenofBatteredWomen.NewYork: SagePublications.1995. White,H.R.andChen,PHProblemsdrinkingandintimatepartnerviolence,Journalof StudiesonAlcohol,63(2002),205214. WorldHealthOrganization.Addressingviolenceagainstwomenandachievingthe MillenniumDevelopmentGoals.Geneva,Switzerland,DepartmentofGender, WomenandHealth,WorldHealthOrganization.2005. WomensWellnessCentreetal.PrevalenceofGenderbasedViolence:PreliminaryFindings fromaFieldAssessmentinNineVillagesinthePejaRegion,Kosovo.Peja:WWC, 2006. Zuckerman,ElaineandGreenberg,MarciaE.TheGenderDimensionsofPostconflict Reconstruction.
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APPENDIX1
SummaryofPriorResearchonDomesticViolencein Kosovo1

The aim of this brief summary is to identify and review briefly prior research related to domesticviolenceinKosovo.Themostrecentresearchrelatedtoviolenceagainstwomen, including domestic violence, was carried out by KWN with support from UNFPA, entitled Exploratory Research on the Extent of GenderBased Violence in Kosova and Its Impact on WomensReproductiveHealth.KWNemployedamixedmethodsmethodologyinvolvingin depthinterviewswith51womenwhohadexperiencedviolenceand96professionals(e.g., SSOs, KPS officers, VAs, shelter representatives, and gynaecologists). Based on existing statistics available from institutions and prior reports, it summarizes the extent of various formsofgenderbasedviolenceinKosovo,demographicgroupspotentiallyatgreatestrisk, and then details the impact of violence on womens reproductive health. The report concludeswithrecommendationsforindividualinstitutionsandorganisations. In July 2007, the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, mandated with court monitoring within the UNMIK administration, issued a comprehensive report on domestic violence cases in Kosovo and the conduct of the judiciary in that respect. The earlier Ombudspersons Ex Officio Report concerning the Implementation of Section 7 and 9 of UNMIK Regulation 2003/12onProtectionAgainstDomesticViolencemonitoredtheperformanceofjudgesin processingdomesticviolencecases(November2006). In 2006, using research conducted in Peja municipality, the Womens Wellness Centre,ReproductiveHealthResponseinConflictConsortium,andUnitedStatesCentresfor Disease Control and Prevention, published Prevalence of GenderBased Violence: Preliminary Findings from a Field Assessment in Nine Villages in the Peja Region, Kosova. The methodology involved interviews with 332 women ages 18 to 49 about violence sufferedatthehandsoffamilymembersaswellasoutsidearmedactorsduringthewar (19881999), displacement (19981999), and postwar (1999August 2002) periods. The research examined types of violence committed, injuries, violence resulting in pregnancy, sourcesofassistance,andtheemotionalhealthoftherespondent.2 In2005,theKosovarGenderStudiesCentre(KGSC)researchedandcompiledabrief Kosovar Civil Society Report to the United Nations on Violence against Women, which summarisedallavailablestatisticsrelatedtoviolenceagainstwomenatthetime,aswellas discussed the work of womens organisations toward addressing violence.3 The following year, KGSC compiled an unpublished paper entitled Indicators for Monitoring the Actual SituationoftheCountriesConcerningViolenceagainstWomenaspartoftheOpenSociety Institution Stop Violence against Women project. The KGSC report Monitoring Security in KosovofromaGenderPerspective(2007)alsoincludesasectionondomesticviolence.
DrawnfromreviewofpriorliteratureinKWN,ExploratoryResearch. WWCetal.,4. 3 IlireRizvanolli,LaurenBean&NicoleFarnsworth,KosovarCivilSocietyReporttotheUnitedNationson ViolenceagainstWomen,KGSC:2005.SeetheKGSCwebsiteforotherreports:www.kgscenter.org.

2
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In 2005, UNFPA published Genderbased Violence in Kosova: A Case Study, which examines various forms of genderbased violence impacting women in Kosovo, governmentalandnongovernmentalresponsestoviolence,andshortcomingsinassistance programs. The report makes recommendations to governmental institutions, NGOs, and donorsforimprovingresponsetoviolenceagainstwomen. The first comprehensive examination of violence against women in Kosovo was carriedoutbyRachelWarehamforUNIFEMin2000,entitledNoSafePlace:AnAssessment onViolenceagainstWomeninKosova.Researchersbeganwithtrustbuildingexerciseswith groupsofruralandurbanwomenthroughoutKosovo.Researchfindingsdrewfromgroup discussions,indepthinterviews,andasurveycompletedanonymouslyby213womenwho had attended these groups. Further, researchers interviewed activists, community members,men,andsomeSerbwomen.4 Also in 2000 Medica Mondiale Kosova published Stop Violence against Women: Results of a Survey Undertaken in Gjakova. Researchers interviewed 500 people (440 femalesand60males)ofvariousages,ethnicities(e.g.,Albanian,Bosnian,Roma,Turkish), educational levels, and religions regarding perceptions about domestic violence. The samplingmethodemployedwasnotclear.5
4 5
UNIFEM,NoSafePlace,15,2021. MedicaMondialeKosova,StopViolenceagainstWomen,6. 121
APPENDIX2
QUESTIONNAIRE
Forresearcheronlybeforeinterview. Startingtime(copytoendlater):____:____ 1. Identificationnumber____________ 2. Municipality_________________________ 3. Rural/urban: 3.1. Village(nopolicestation 3.2. Town(ruralsettingbut 3.3. City(urbansetting) orCSW) policestation,CSW) 4. Sex: 4.1. Female 4.2. Male (Begininterviewhereafterreadingconsentform.Pleasereadonlytextthatisbold.) FirstIwouldliketoknowmoreaboutyouandyourfamily. 5. Howoldareyou? 5.5 5665 5.1 1825 5.3 3645 5.6 66+ 5.2 2635 5.4 4655 6. Whatisyourethnicity? 6.1 Albanian 6.2 Serbian 6.4 Bosnian 6.6 Turkish 6.3 Roma,AshkaliorEgyptian 6.5 Gorani 6.7 Multiple(pleasewrite)______________________________________________ 6.8 Other(pleasewrite)_____________________________________________ 7. WhatisthehighestlevelofeducationyouhaveCOMPLETED? 7.4. Secondaryschoolunfinished 7.7. Universityfinished 7.1. Noschooling(0years) 7.2. Primaryschoolunfinished 7.5. Secondaryschoolfinished 7.8. Postgraduatestudies 7.3. Primaryschoolfinished 7.6. Universityunfinished 8. (Ifstoppedbeforeuniversitydegree)whatwastheMAINreasonthatyoustoppedgoingtoschool(circleall thatapply)? 8.1. Didnotwanttocontinue 8.2. Notenoughfinancesinthefamily 8.3. Hadtoworktoearnmoney 8.4. Theschoolwastoofaraway 8.5. Itwasnotsafetotraveltotheschool 8.6. Myfamilydidnotthinkitwasimportantformetokeepgoingtoschool 8.7. Violenceinthefamily 8.8. Pressuredorforcedbymothertostop 8.9. Pressuredorforcedbyfathertostop 8.10. Pressuredorforcedbypartnertostop 8.11. Pressuredorforcedbyotherfamilymemberstostop 8.12. Other_____________________________________
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9. WhatisyourmaritalstatusRIGHTNOW? 9.1. Single Q.12 9.3. Divorced Q.10 9.2. Married Q.10 9.4. Widowed Q.10 10. Forhowmanyyears(haveyoubeen/wereyou)married(inpresentmarriageifmarriedtwice)? 10.4 1115 10.1 1 10.7 2630 10.10 41 10.2 25 10.5 1620 10.8 3135 10.3 610 10.6 2125 10.9 3640 11. Howoldwereyouwhenyouweremarriedforthefirsttime? 11.5. 31 11.1. 15 11.3. 1925 11.2. 1618 11.4. 2630 12. Withwhomdoyouliveathome? 12.1. Immediatebirthfamily(parents,brothers,sisters) 12.2. Marriedimmediatefamily(husband/wifeand/orchildren) 12.3. Partnersextendedfamily(mother,father,brother,sisterinlaw,etc.) 12.4. Myextendedfamily(parents,brothers,sisters,andtheirpartners) 12.5. Friends 12.6. Partner(unmarried) 12.7. Alone 12.8. Other________________________________________________________ 13. Altogether,howmanypeoplearelivinginyourhouseholdrightnow?_____________ 14. Howmanychildrendoyouhave,ifany? 14.10. 9 14.1. 0 14.4. 3 14.7. 6 14.11. 10+ 14.2. 1 14.5. 4 14.8. 7 14.3. 2 14.6. 5 14.9. 8 15. Wereyouevertoldtohavemorechildrenthanyouwanted? 15.1. Yes 15.2. No 15.3. Dontknow/Noanswer 16. (Ifyes)whopressuredyou? 16.1. Partner 16.2. Parents 16.3. Parentsinlaw 16.4. Otherfamilymembers 16.5. Other___________________________________________________________ 16.6. Combination(write):_______________________________________________ 17. (ifchildren)Howdoyoupunishyourchildren?(circleallthatapply) (ifnochildren)Inyouropinion,howdoyouthinkchildrenshouldbepunished? 17.1. Theyarenotallowedtoplaywithfriends(grounded) 17.2. Theyhavetodoextraworkaroundthehouse 17.3. Theyhavetostayintheirbedroomorinthehouse 17.4. Yellathimorher 17.5. Spankhimorherwithmyhand 17.6. Spankhimorherwithabeltorstick 17.7. Other______________________________________
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17.8. Idonotusuallypunishmychildren 18. Isthepunishmentthesameforgirlsandboys? 18.1. Yes 18.2. No Howaregirlspunished?_______________________________________ Howareboyspunished?______________________________________ 19. Whatisyouremploymentstatusrightnow? Q21 19.1. Workinapaidpositionoutsidethehome 19.2. Dounpaidworkoutsidethehome(farming,caringforanimalslikecows/chickens,etc.) 19.3. Dounpaidworkathome(childcare,gardening,housekeeping,etc.) 19.4. Workfromtimetotime(Consultant) 19.5. Currentlyunemployed,butlookingforajob 19.6. Unemployed,notlookingforajob 19.7. Stillstudent/pupil 19.8. Retired 19.9. Unabletowork 20. (Ifnotworkingformoney)WhatistheMAINreasonyouarenotworkingformoney? 20.1. Worktodoinsidethehome(childcare,gardening,housekeeping,etc.) 20.2. Worktodooutsidethehome(farming,caringforanimalslikecows/chickens,etc.) 20.3. Havenotbeenabletofindajob 20.4. Familydoesnotallowmetowork 20.5. Stillapupil/student 20.6. Itsnotworthit(forthesmallsalary) 20.7. Retired 20.8. Unabletowork 20.9. Other________________________ 20.10. Dontknow/noanswer 21. (Ifworking)Whatisyourmonthlysalary: 21.1. 1100Euro 21.4. 301400 21.7. 601700 21.10. 9011000 21.2. 101200 21.5. 401500 21.8. 701800 21.11. 1000+ 21.3. 201300 21.6. 501600 21.9. 801900 22. (Ifmarried)isyourpartneremployedwithasalary? 22.1. Yes 22.2. No 23. Altogether,howmanypeopleinyourhouseareemployed?____________________ 24. CanyouestimateyourhouseholdincomeFROMTHELASTTHREEMONTHSfromallpeoplesandsources? 24.7. 501600 24.10. 8011000 24.1. 040 24.4. 201300 24.8. 601700 24.11. 1000+ 24.2. 41100 24.5. 301400 24.9. 701800 24.3. 101200 24.6. 401500 25. Doesyourhouseholdreceivesocialassistance? 25.1. Yes 26 25.2. No 28 26. (Ifyes,)Isitenoughtomeettheneedsofyourfamily? 26.1. Yes 28 26.2. No 27 27. (Ifno,)Howmuchpermonthwouldyourfamilyneedtopayforbasiccosts?________
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28. Whowouldyousaymakesmostofthedecisionsabouthowmoneyshouldbespentinyourhouseholdfor bigpurchaseslikeanewcarorfurniture? 28.1. Ido 28.5. Myfatherinlaw 28.2. Mypartner 28.6. Mymotherinlaw 28.7. Mybrotherinlaw 28.3. Myfather 28.4. Mymother 28.8. Itsajointdecisionbetween(write)__________________________________________ 28.9. Other_________________________________________________________________ 29. Whowouldyousayusuallydecidesforchildrenseducation(forexample,ifchildrenwillcontinueeducation orwhattheywillstudy)? 29.1. Ido 29.5. Myfatherinlaw 29.2. Mypartner 29.6. Mymotherinlaw 29.3. Myfather 29.7. Mybrotherinlaw 29.4. Mymother 29.8. Itsajointdecisionbetween(write)_________________________________________________ 29.9. Other_________________________________________________________________ 30. Whoinyourfamilywouldyousayhasthefinalsaywhenanyimportantdecisionhastobemade? 30.5. Myfatherinlaw 30.1. Ido 30.6. Mymotherinlaw 30.2. Mypartner 30.3. Myfather 30.7. Mybrotherinlaw 30.4. Mymother 30.8. Itsajointdecisionbetween(write)__________________________________________ 30.9. Other_________________________________________________________________ 31. Whathappensifsomeonedisagreeswithorargueswiththatpersonaboutthedecision? 31.1. Nothing 31.2. Thatperson(thedecisionmaker)getsangry 31.3. Theperson(thedecisionmaker)yellsandshoutsatthatpersonwhoargues 31.4. Thatperson(thedecisionmaker)mayphysicallyharmthepersonwhoargues 31.5. Adiscussionandthenadecisionismadetogether 31.6. Other_________________________________________________________________ Iamgoingtoreadsomestatements.Pleasetellmeifyouagree,somewhatagree,somewhatdisagree,or disagree. 1 2 3 4 8 9 Agree Somewhat Somewhat Disagree Refuse DK 32. SometimesitisOKforahusbandto agree disagree hithiswife Agree Somewhat Somewhat Disagree Refuse DK 33. Childrenneedtobedisciplined 34. Sometimesachildneedstobe spanked 35. Boysshouldhavestricterdiscipline thangirlsbecauseitmakesthem strong 36. Girlsneedmoredisciplinethanboys sothattheywillbemorallycorrect 37. Personswithhandicapsshouldstay insidetheirhousebecausetheybring shametothefamily
Agree Agree agree Somewhat agree Somewhat agree Somewhat agree Somewhat agree disagree Somewhat disagree Somewhat disagree Somewhat disagree Somewhat disagree Disagree Disagree Refuse Refuse DK DK
Agree Agree
Disagree Disagree
Refuse Refuse
DK DK
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38. Itisnaturalthatphysicalviolence happenssometimeswhenacouple argues 39. Itisnaturalthatfamilyviolence happensaftersomeonedrinksalcohol 40. Oldpeopleareaburdenonthefamily
Agree Somewhat agree Somewhat agree Somewhat agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Somewhat disagree Somewhat disagree Somewhat disagree Disagree Refuse DK
Agree Agree
Disagree Disagree
Refuse Refuse
DK DK
Agree Disagree Refuse DK 41. Sexualintercoursecanneverbe violenceifithappensbetweentwo adultswhoaremarried Agree Somewhat Somewhat Disagree Refuse DK 42. Ifahusbandisunemployed,violence agree disagree isboundtohappensometimes Agree Somewhat Somewhat Disagree Refuse DK 43. Newwivesaresupposedtohave agree disagree moreresponsibilitiesforcleaningand cookingthanotherfamilymembers Agree Somewhat Somewhat Disagree Refuse DK 44. Aregulationagainstdomestic agree disagree violenceexistsinKosovo Agree Somewhat Somewhat Disagree Refuse DK 45. Ifneighborsknewthatonefamilyhad agree disagree violencehappeninginside,theywould consideritshameful Agree Somewhat Somewhat Disagree Refuse DK 46. Anymanwhohitshiswifeshouldbe agree disagree ashamedofhimself Agree Somewhat Somewhat Disagree Refuse DK 47. Violenceisanormalpartofany agree disagree relationship,andsocietyingeneral acceptsthatviolencehappens sometimes Agree Somewhat Somewhat Disagree Refuse DK 48. Perpetratorsoffamilyviolenceare agree disagree guiltyandshouldbepunishedbylaw. Agree Somewhat Somewhat Disagree Refuse DK 49. Ifthereisviolenceinafamily,the agree disagree womanshouldgotoashelterorher family,whilethemanshouldstayat hometilltheissueisresolved NowIamgoingtoreadalistofinteractionsthatcouldhappeninafamily.Pleasetellmeinyouropinion whethereachinteractioncouldbeconsideredaformoffamilyviolence. Type 1 2 8 50. Criticizingafamilymemberallthetime Yes No Refuse 51. Callingafamilymembernamesorswearingatafamilymember Yes No Refuse 52. Sendingachildtobuybreadforthefamily Yes No Refuse 53. Punishingachildbyspankinghimorher Yes No Refuse 54. Punishingachildbyspankinghimorherwithabeltorstick Yes No Refuse 55. Keepingafamilymemberfromseeinghis/herfriendsorrelatives Yes No Refuse 56. Controllingwhereafamilymembercanorcannotgo Yes No Refuse 57. Makingdecisionsforanotheradultfamilymemberwithoutaskinghim/her Yes No Refuse 58. Helpingapersonwithadisabilitydecidewhotomarry Yes No Refuse 59. Afamilymemberwhohasmoneyrefusingtogivemoneytoafamilymemberwho Yes No Refuse needsit 60. Notallowinganotherfamilymembertoworkoutsidethehome Yes No Refuse 61. Apartnerbeingunfaithfulorcheatingonhis/herpartner Yes No Refuse 62. Apartnerbeingoverlyjealous Yes No Refuse
9 DK DK DK DK DK DK DK DK DK DK DK DK DK
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63. Threateningtohurtanotherfamilymember Yes No Refuse 64. Destroyingfurnitureorbreakingdishesonpurpose Yes No Refuse 65. Anadultslapping,punching,orkickinganotherfamilymemberwhentheyarearguing Yes No Refuse 66. Touchingafamilymemberinasexualwaywithoutthatpersonsconsent Yes No Refuse 67. Apartnermakinghis/herpartnerdosexualactsthathe/shedoesnotwanttodo Yes No Refuse 68. InyouropinionwhatistheMAINreasonorreasonsthatfamilyviolencehappens(circleallthattheysay)? 68.1. Unemploymentinthefamily 68.6. Duringargumentsthatgettoointensive 68.2. Badeconomicsituationinthefamily 68.7. Becauseoftraumafromthewar 68.3. Thatistheculture 68.8. Becausepeopleweremarriedagainsttheirwill 68.4. Lackofeducation 68.9. Bigfamilieslivetogetherwithoutenoughspace 68.5. Aftersomeonedrinksalcohol 68.10. Other____________________________ 69. Inyouropinion,howwidespreadisdomesticviolenceinyourvillage/city?(Probe)Meaning,peopleinside thefamilyhiteachother? 69.1. Thatdoesnthappeninmyvillage/city(0%) 69.2. Itonlyhappensinafewfamilies(125%) 69.3. Ithappensinbetweenonefourthandhalfofthefamilies(26%50%) 69.4. Ithappensinbetweenonehalfandthreefourthsofthefamilies(51%75%) 69.5. Ithappensinbetweenthreefourthsandalmostallfamilies(75%99%) 69.6. Ithappensineveryfamily(100%) 69.7. Donotknow/Noanswer InthelastYEAR,howoftendidyoupersonallyseeorhearpeopleinthesamefamilydoingthefollowing:every day,everyweek,everymonth,511times,14times,never.Ifyouarenotsure,pleasegiveyourbestguess. 1 Every day 2 Every Week 3 Every month 4 511 times peryr 5 14 times peryr 6 Never DK DK DK DK DK
9 DK/NA
70. Familymembersyellingateachother 71. Loudnoises,asiftwofamilymembers werehittingorpushingeachother 72. Parentsslappingtheirchildren 73. Awomanwhohasbruiseslikesomeone washittingher 74. Inthelastyear,canyouestimatehowmanyfamiliesthatyouknowpersonallyhadviolencehappening inside? 74.7. Donotknow/Noanswer 74.1. 0families 74.4. 1120families 74.5. 2130families 74.2. 15families 74.6. 31+families 74.3. 610families
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Pleasethinkofonepersonyouknowwhohasbeenavictimoffamilyviolence.Donottellmewhothepersonis, butcanyoutellmeaboutthemIsthatperson Nr. 1 2 3 4 9 75. Male Female X X DK/NA 76. Child(012) Teenager(1318) Adult(1950) Elderly(51+) DK/NA 77. Withsomeprimary Finishedprimary Someorallof Someorallof DK/NA schooleducationor school secondary University less school 78. Employedfor Farmer(no) Unemployed X DK/NA 79. Whattypeofviolenceishappeningtothatperson(readanswers14)? 79.1. Psychologicalviolencelikenamecalling,jealousy,lyingallthetime 79.2. Physicalviolencelikekicking,punching,hitting 79.3. Sexualviolencelikemakingthepersonhavesexwhenhe/shedoesnotwantordosexualactshe/shedoes notwant 79.4. Economicalviolencelikenotgivingthepersonmoneywhenshe/heneedsit 79.5. Orsomethingelse_____________________________________________________________ 79.6. Combination(write#s)___________________________________________________ 79.7. Idontknow 80. Whoisthepersonthatmostoftenabuseshim/her? 80.5. Sister 80.9. Motherinlaw 80.1. Partner 80.2. Father 80.6. Son 80.10. Other:______________ 80.3. Mother 80.7. Daughter 80.11. Dontknow 80.4. Brother 80.8. Fatherinlaw 81. Whathavebeenthenegativeresultsofviolenceonthatperson(circleallthatapply)? 81.1. Injuries 81.7. Stopeducation 81.2. Psychologicalproblems 81.8. Cantworkwhichimpactseconomicsituation 81.3. Unabletocareforchildren 81.4. Unabletocareforself 81.9. Other_______________________________ 81.5. Thoughtaboutsuicide 81.10. Other_______________________________ 81.6. Attemptedsuicide 82. Howdoesthatpersondealwiththeviolenceorreducethepainitcauseshim/her(circleallthatapply)? 82.7. Divorce 82.1. Talkstofriends 82.8. Leavesthehouseforawhiletolivesomewhereelse 82.2. Talkstofamilymembers 82.9. Other___________________________________ 82.3. Talkstoacounselororpsychologist 82.10. Other___________________________________ 82.4. Goestodoctor 82.5. Callsthepolice 82.6. Goestoashelter 83. Doyouknowwhereapersoncouldgotogethelpiftheyhadviolencehappeningtothem(circleallthat theyanswer)? 83.5. VictimAdvocate 83.1. Afriend 83.2. Anotherfamilymember 83.6. LocalorganizationorNGO 83.3. Police 83.7. Other____________________________________ 83.4. CentreforSocialWork 83.8. Dontknow/Noanswer 84. Doyouknowanypersonwhohaseverreportedacaseofdomesticviolencehappening? 84.1. Yes 85 84.2. No 94
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(Ifyes)Aftertheyreportedit 85. Didthepolicecome? 86. Didthepersonwhoexperiencedviolenceleavetheirhousetostay somewhereelse? 87. DidthepersonreceivehelpfromCentreforSocialWork? 88. DidthepersonreceivehelpfromawomensNGOorshelter? 89. DidthepersonreceivehelpfromaVictimAdvocate? 90. Didthepersonreceivesomeotherformoflegalassistance? 91. Wastheperpetratorarrested? 92. Didthecasegotocourt? 93. Wasperpetratorpunished?
1 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
2 9 No NA/DK No NA/DK No No No No No No No NA/DK NA/DK NA/DK NA/DK NA/DK NA/DK NA/DK
(Researcher:writedetailsaboutwhathappenedbelow) 94. Iffamilyviolencehappenedtoyou,doyouthinkyouwoulduseanylawtohelpyoursituation? 94.1. Yes 94.2. No Whynot?_________________________________________________________ 94.3. Dontknow/Noanswer NowIamgoingtoaskyousomeverypersonalquestions.IwanttotellyouagainthatIwillnotsharethe informationyougivemewithanyone.Ialsowantyoutoknowthatifyoudonotfeelwellorcomfortableatany timewhilewearetalking,pleasetellmethatyouwanttotakeabreak,skipcertainquestions,orstopour discussion. 95. Ifyoucanthinkback,whenyouwereachild,howdidyourparentsusuallypunishyouifyouwerenaughty? 95.5. Theyspankedmewiththeirhand 95.1. Iwasnotallowedtoplaywithfriends 95.6. Theyspankedmewithabeltorstick (grounded) 95.7. Other______________________________________ 95.2. Ihadtodoextraworkaroundthehouse 95.3. Ihadtostayinmybedroomorinsidethehouse 95.8. Iwasnotusuallypunished 95.4. Theyyelledatme 96. Inyouropinion,whenyouwereachild,howdoyouthinkyourparentsandotheradultfamilymembers treatedyou?(Readoptions) 96.1. Verywell 96.2. Well 96.3. Neithergood/bad Why?__________________________________________________ 96.4. Badly Why?
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96.5. Verybadly Why?__________________________________________________ 96.6. Dontknow/noanswer 97. (Ifmarried/livingwithsomeone)Nowadays,doyoufinditeasyordifficulttospeakwithyourPARTNER aboutthingsthatareimportanttoyou?(Readoptions) 97.1. Veryeasy 97.3. Average 97.5. Verydifficult 97.6. Dontknow/noanswer 97.2. Easy 97.4. Difficult 98. DoyoufinditeasyordifficulttospeakwithyourFAMILYmembersaboutthingsthatareimportanttoyou? (Readoptions) 98.1. Veryeasy 98.3. Average 98.5. Verydifficult 98.2. Easy 98.4. Difficult 98.6. Dontknow/noanswer 99. InthelastYEAR,howoftenwouldyouestimatethatpersonsinyourfamilyyelledatyou,sworeatyouor madeyoufeelverybad? 99.1. 1to5times 99.4. Everyweek 99.7. Refused 99.2. 611times 99.5. Everyday 99.8. Noanswer 99.3. Everymonth 99.6. Never 100.InthelastYEAR,howoftenwouldyouestimatethatpersonsinyourfamilyhurtyouphysically? 100.1. 1to5times 100.4. Everyweek 100.7. Refused 100.2. 611times 100.5. Everyday 100.8. Noanswer 100.3. Everymonth 100.6. Never 101.Hasanyoneeveryhityouwithanobjectlikeastick,belt,orknife? 101.1. Yes What?______________________Who?____________________ 101.2. No 101.3. Refusetoanswer Iamgoingtoreadalistofthingsthatcouldhappeninafamily.Canyoutellme,inyourwholelife,ifanyof thesethingseverhappentoyou?Iftheydidhappen,canyoutellmeatwhichtimesithappenedinyourlife: whenyouwereachild,ateenager,anadult,(ifapplicable)duringpregnancy,(ifapplicable)elderlyorinmore thanoneofthesetimesinyourlife?(Researcher:checkallthatapply)
130
0 Never 1 Childhood 2 Teenager 3 Adult 4 Pregnant 5 Elderly 9 DK 8 Refuse
102. 103. 104.
105.
106.
107.
108.
109.
110.
111.
112.
113.
114.
115. 116. 117.
118.
119.
Somebodyfromyourfamilycalledyounames Afamilymembersworeatyou Afamilymemberorderedyouaroundallthe time Someonefromyourfamilydidnotallowyou toseefriendsorrelatives Afamilymembercontrolledwhereyoucould orcouldnotgo Afamilymembermadeyoufeelguiltyall the time Afamilymembermadeimportantdecisions foryouwithoutaskingyou Afamilymemberwhohadmoneyrefusedto giveittoyouforsomethingyouneeded Yourfamilywouldnotletyouworkfor moneyoutsidethehome Yourfamilywouldnotletyougotothe doctorwhenyouweresick Afamilymemberthreatenedtohurtyouor someoneclosetoyou Afamilymemberhadaweaponand threatenedtouseitagainstyou Afamilymemberdestroyedfurnitureor brokedishesonpurpose Afamilymemberslappedyou Afamilymemberhit,punchedorkickedyou Afamilymembertouchedyourprivateparts inawayyoudidnotwanttobetouched Yourpartnerpressuredyoutohavesexual intercoursewhenyoudidnotwantto Afamilymembermadeyoudosexualacts youdidnotwanttodo
IfanswerednevertoALLquestions102through119 IIIPrevention
131
120.Whoamongyourfamilymembersusedviolenceagainstyouthemostoften? 120.1. Partner(husband/wife) 120.7. Fatherinlaw 120.13. Daughter 120.2. Mother 120.8. stepMother 120.14. Combination ___________________ 120.3. Father 120.9. stepfather 120.15. Allofthem 120.4. Brother 120.10. sisterinlaw 120.16. Other 120.5. Sister 120.11. brotherinlaw ___________________ 120.6. MotherinLaw 120.12. Son 121.Whoelse(circleallthatapply)? 121.1. Partner(husband/wife) 121.8. Brotherinlaw 121.2. Mother 121.9. Sisterinlaw 121.3. Father 121.10. Son 121.11. Daughter 121.4. Brother 121.12. Combination_____________________ 121.5. Sister 121.13. Allofthem 121.6. MotherinLaw 121.14. Other___________________________ 121.7. Fatherinlaw 122.Howoftendidthefamilymember(s)hurtyou? 122.5. Everymonth 122.6. Everyweek 122.1. Everyfewyears 122.7. Everyday 122.2. Everyyear 122.8. Dontknow/Noanswer 122.3. 1to5timesayear 122.4. 611timesayear 123.Didanychildreninthehouseholdseeorhearviolencehappening? 123.1. Yes 123.3. Dontknow 123.5. NoAnswer 123.2. No 123.4. Cantremember 124.Whathavebeenthenegativeresultsoffamilyviolenceonyourlife(circleallthatapply)? 124.7. Attemptedsuicide 124.1. None 124.8. Other 124.2. Injuries 124.3. Psychologicalproblems _______________________________ 124.4. Unabletocareforchildren 124.5. Unabletocareforself 124.9. refuseanswer 124.6. Thoughtsaboutsuicide 125.Haveyouhadhealthproblemsbecauseoffamilyviolence? 125.1. Yes 125.2. No 128 125.3. refuseanswer 126.(Ifyes),whathealthproblemshaveyouhadbecauseoffamilyviolence(circleallthatapply)? 126.7. Brokenlimbs 126.1. Depression 126.8. Otherinjuries 126.2. Headaches 126.9. Other_______________________ 126.3. Highbloodpressure 126.10. Other_______________________ 126.4. Nervousness 126.5. Constantfear 126.11. refuseanswer 126.6. Bruises 127.(Ifyes),Ifyouwereinjuredasaresultofviolence,didyouevergotoadoctorortelladoctorwhat happened? 127.1. Yes Howhelpfulwasthedoctor?____________________________________ 127.2. No Why?______________________________________________________ 127.3. Iwasntinjured
132
128.Whenyouexperiencedviolence,didyoutellanyoneaboutit?(Ifyes)who? 128.1. Familymember 128.7. Doctor 128.2. Police 128.8. Psychologistorpsychiatrist 128.3. Friend 128.9. Other 128.4. Shelterrepresentative _______________________________ 128.5. WomanactivistorNGO 128.10. Nobody 128.6. SocialworkerattheCentreforSocialWork 129.Whenyouexperiencedviolence,whatmadeyoufeelbetter? 129.1. Nothing 129.7. Livingsomewhereelseforawhile 129.2. Talktofriends 129.8. Sendtheperpetratortojail 129.9. Divorce 129.3. Talktofamilymembers 129.10. Other 129.4. Talktoacounselororpsychologist _______________________________ 129.5. Dosomethingwithmyhands(likesewing) 129.6. Sleeping III.Prevention NowIwanttogetyouropinionastohowsocietyandthegovernmentcouldstopviolenceorlessentheamount ofharmthatresultsfromviolence.Theideasthatyougivewillhelptheorganizations,institutions,and governmentworkingonthisissuecreateaplanforaddressingviolenceinKosova. 130. WhatdoyouthinkarethemainproblemsinKosovarsociety,whichmakefamilyviolencekeep happening? 131. Whatcouldtheorganizations,institutions,andgovernmentdotopreventfamilyviolencefrom happeninginKosova? 132. Inyouropinionwhattypesofassistancewouldbemostusefulforapersonwhosuffereddomestic violence(circleallthatapply)? 132.1. Professionalhelpfromapsychologist,psychiatristorcounselor 132.2. Familycounseling
133
132.3. Safeaccommodation(shelter) 132.4. Accesstofreehealthcare 132.5. Accesstomoreeducation 132.6. Accesstofreelegalassistance 132.7. Assistancewithfindingemployment 132.8. Other_________________________________________________________________ 133.Whatcouldthegovernmentdotobetteraddressdomesticviolence? 134.Isthereanythingelseyouwanttotalktomeaboutortellmeabout?
134
(Researcher:tobecompletedbytheintervieweraloneaftertheinterview) 135.Dateofvisit:____/____/________ DDMMYYYY 136.Startingtime:____:____ 137.Endingtime:____:____ 138.Isthequestionnairecompleted? 140 138.1. Yes 138.2. No 139.(Ifno,)whatisthereasonfornotcompletingthequestionnaire? 139.1. Theintervieweewasunabletofinish(e.g.sick,tooold,someoneelsepresent) 139.2. Theintervieweerefusedtocontinue 139.3. Theintervieweedidnothavetimetocontinue 139.4. Theintervieweewasnotpsychologicallyreadytocontinuetheinterview 139.5. Other_________________________________________________________ 140.Whatwasthedurationoftheinterview? 140.1. 030min 140.2. 3160min 140.3. 6189min 140.4. 90119min 140.5. 120+min 141.Pleasewriteanyfurthercommentsabouttheinterview,includingyourimpressionsasaninterviewerand anyexplanations(howtheinterviewwent,furtherexplanationoftherespondentscomments,explanation oftherespondentsbodylanguageduringtheinterview,anyrelevantillustrativestories,andduring particularquestions,etc.) 142. Astheinterviewer,pleasecertifybysigningbelowthatthisquestionnairehasbeencompletedtothe bestofyourability. Interviewername:_____________________Interviewersignature:___________________ Supervisorname:_____________________Supervisorsignature:___________________
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Katalogiminbotim(CIP) BibliotekaKombtaredheUniversitareeKosovs 305055.2(496.51)(048) 305055.1(496.51)(048) SecurityBeginsatHome:NationalStrategyand ActionPlanagainstDomesticViolenceinKosovo/ WrittenbyNicoleFarnsworthandArianaQosaj Mustafa.Prishtin:AgencyforGenderEqualityin thePrimeMinistersOfficeofKosovo,2008.135 f.;28cm. 1.Farnsworth,Nicole,2.MustafaQosaj,Ariana ISBN9789951545006
Security Begins at Home

The term "security" typically invokes images of national security and international conflict. Security at the intrastate, family, and especially individual level are ignored as the private realm is assumed a location of security. Illegal acts that would be prosecuted when perpetrated against a stranger, neighbour, or in a public place tend to be overlooked when committed in the private realm against a family member. However, as notions of human security gain attention internationally, there is growing recognition that insecurity among individuals contributes to broader institutional inequalities that negatively impact democratic governance and overall security. Domestic violence, previously considered a private issue, is a source of insecurity for many people around the world, including people in Kosovo, as this report illustrates. Extensive evidence exists that domestic violence contributes to a plethora of health problems, psychological issues, inability to care for children, and even suicide or death. It has significant costs for society related to healthcare, policing, justice, education, employment, and productivity. The Government of Kosovo thus has a vested interest in decreasing domestic violence as part of its ongoing efforts to achieve Millennium Development Goals and progress toward European Union accession. This report addresses the dearth of information related to domestic violence in Kosovo, establishing a firm foundation on which to base the first Kosovo National Action Plan against Domestic Violence. It examines forms of violence commonly occurring in the family; citizens perceptions about domestic violence and abusers; social constraints depriving particular demographic groups that contribute to violence; the consequences of violence on women, men, children, the family, and society, including public institutions; methods citizens use to address violence; and related legal and institutional gaps. The report provides invaluable information and recommendations for the Government of Kosovo, policy-makers, non-governmental organizations, researchers, donors, and others interested in creating targeted campaigns or programs to prevent future violence, better protect victims, and prosecute perpetrators.
ISBN 978-9951-545-00-6

Security Begins at Home

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Security Begins at Home

Prishtina, Kosovo 2008

SecurityBeginsatHome: ResearchtoInformtheFirstNationalStrategy andActionPlanagainstDomesticViolenceinKosovo Prishtina,Kosovo2008

75 77 96 99 104 110 114 120 122

Makingdecisionsforanotheradultfamilymemberwithoutasking him/her Afamilymemberwhohasmoneyrefusingtogivemoneytoafamily memberwhoneedsit

598 579 656 447

365 307 186 121 39 Agree 20 59 17 15 32 Disagree 46 71 25

164 131 55 69 124

(Graph1.6).Aslightlyhigherpercentageofwomenrespondentsbelievedgirlsneededmore discipline.14Peoplewhowereunemployed,hadlessthanauniversityeducation,werefrom PrizrenorPeja,and/orAlbanian,tendedtoagreewiththefirststatement.Rural,poor,and lesseducatedpeopletendedtoagreewiththesecondstatement.15

272 283 236

359 294 303 209 152 69 83 20 Agree SomewhatAgree 19 39 41 150 100 59

28.4% Don'tknow/No answer

478 393 327

37 38.3% None 26.2% 15Families 3.0% 610Families

31.5% Donotknow/ Noanswer

G raph2 .3 H ow O fte nR e s ponde nts'Fam ilie s H urtThe m

43 21 10 2 .8 % O n e tim e 5 1 .7 % Eve r yfe w ye ar s 2 1 .3 % Eve r yye ar 1 2 .1 % 5 .9 % 9 2 .5 % Eve r ym o n th 10 2 .8 % Eve r yw e e k 3 0 .8 %

2006 2007 Total 16 12 28

40 2 21 1160 6 9 13 1217 124 10 13 33

2132 186 429

Other 1% Albanian 83%

241 251 197 218

AccordingtoSOK,approximately15percentoftheKosovospopulationlivesinPrishtinamunicipality,10 percentinPrizren,5.11percentinPeja,5.31percentinMitrovica,4.46percentinGjilan,and5.44percentin Ferizaj(KWNcalculationwithinformationdrawnfromSOK,StatisticalAtlas). 37

310 161 149

252 127 125

Lighter/lesspunishment Harder/morepunishment Yell/scold Counsel/discussbehavior Beating Other Nopunishment Havetodoextraworkathome 2 1 4 4 7 5 6 6 5 10 8

393 348 348

237 213 194 154 121 97 61 46 13 3 10 1.1% Beaten 15

Spankedwithbelt Hadtodoextra Hadtostayin orstick workaroundthe bedroomor house insidethehouse

14 1 4 9 10 9 8 8 2 1 3 1 2.8% 2.5% 2 2 4 1.1% 3 2 5 1.4% 0 2.2% 4 5 2.5% 0 3.9%

25 31 15.5% 6 17.4% 40.9% 58.0%

Brothe rin law

CITIZENSRESPONSE:THEMETHODSCITIZENSUSE ANDPROPOSEFORENDINGVIOLENCEORREDUCING ITSCIRCUMSTANCES

435 331 272 264 171 121 77 38 39 6 5 11 Disagree Don'tknow 53 68

3.8% 47 3.5% 44 1.9% 24 1.1% 14 0.8% 10

Arespondentrecommendedmakingcounsellingbyprofessionalpsychologistsavailableinschools,discussed inchaptersix. 15 KWN,interviewswithshelters. 65

SOCIALCONSTRAINTSTHATDEPRIVEPARTICULAR DEMOGRAPHICGROUPSINTHEPRIVATEANDPUBLIC SPHERES,POTENTIALLYINCREASINGDOMESTIC VIOLENCE

DrawnfromreviewofpriorliteratureinKWN,ExploratoryResearch. WWCetal.,4. 3 IlireRizvanolli,LaurenBean&NicoleFarnsworth,KosovarCivilSocietyReporttotheUnitedNationson ViolenceagainstWomen,KGSC:2005.SeetheKGSCwebsiteforotherreports:www.kgscenter.org.

UNIFEM,NoSafePlace,15,2021. MedicaMondialeKosova,StopViolenceagainstWomen,6. 121

1 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

2 9 No NA/DK No NA/DK No No No No No No No NA/DK NA/DK NA/DK NA/DK NA/DK NA/DK NA/DK

102. 103. 104.

115. 116. 117.

Security Begins at Home

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