OSCE Presence supports activities against domestic violence in Albania, presents publication for victims of domestic violence

The OSCE Presence in Albania experts for human rights participated in a forum on domestic violence for students of the European University of Tirana, on 26 September 2013.

The Presence experts held an interactive discussion with students on social, psychological and legal aspects of the problem. Students took active part in the discussion, since almost all of them knew someone who as affected by domestic violence.

The event was part of a series of forums organized within the International Human Rights Film Festival, this week in Tirana, Marubi Film and Multimedia Academy with the support of the OSCE Presence and other international and local organizations.

In his opening speech at the Festival, the Acting Head of the OSCE Presence, Robert Wilton, described domestic violence as a pressing human rights issue in Albania: “Domestic violence cannot be addressed through legal means alone. This is not the job solely of the police and the courts. We must change the mentality that accepts violence against women and children. We must reject utterly the idea that tradition, or culture, makes certain unacceptable behaviours somehow more natural. The culture of silence must end, now.”

As part of its human rights protection activities, the Presence also published an updated version of the Handbook for victims of domestic violence. It provides important information for victims on how to get protection and justice.

According to police statistics, during last year 28 people in Albania, the majority of whom are women, lost their lives as victims of domestic violence.