OSCE Presence, USAID publish book to assist implementation of domestic violence law
TIRANA, 31 July 2008 - The OSCE Presence in Albania and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) published this week a judicial manual that will help courts to implement the country's law on domestic violence.
The Albanian Judicial Bench Book on Protection Orders provides judges with guidance in interpreting and implementing the law, which entered into force on 1 June 2007. It also provides tips on how to hold protection order hearings and issue civil protection orders against perpetrators of abuse.
"While the adoption of the law was an important step, it is essential that those who are to enforce it know about its existence, are informed about the remedies it provides and co-ordinate their work to implement it," said Ambassador Robert Bosch, Head of the Presence.
"The courts' authority to issue civil protection orders provides victims of violence with speedy and affordable remedies and sends the message that perpetrators will be held accountable."
The book and standard protection order forms will be distributed to judges throughout Albania. The manual can also be found on the Presence's website www.osce.org/albania.
As part of the same project, called Women's Access to Justice, the OSCE Presence, in co-operation with the Council of Europe, the Albanian School of Magistrates, the Justice Ministry and the Interior Ministry has trained 300 judges, lawyers, police officers and civil society representatives on the Domestic Violence Law.
The Presence also prepared and published the handbook, Seeking Protection from Domestic Violence, and assisted in the drafting of the law, the first of its kind in Albania.