OSCE Mission concludes training for responders to domestic violence in Kosovo

The last in a series of five workshops on standard operating procedures for protecting people from domestic violence concluded in Prishtinë/Priština on 5 December 2014. The workshops, organized by the OSCE Mission in Kosovo and the Kosovo Agency for Gender Equality, have trained a total of 200 police officers, social workers, victims’ advocates, doctors, shelters’ staff, teachers, judges, and prosecutors.

“The standard operating procedures for protection from domestic violence clearly outline the roles and responsibilities of each and every duty bearer, from police officers, social workers and victims’ advocates to judges and teachers, in identifying, referring and assisting victims. If implemented properly these procedures can lead to the more effective prevention of domestic violence and better assistance for the victims,” stated Jasna Dobricik, chief of the OSCE Mission’s Equality and Non-discrimination Section.

The participants called on institutions in Kosovo to provide greater financial support for the shelters. They also noted that co-operation between teachers and other relevant actors is needed to further raise awareness among student and their parents about the need to report domestic violence, and available assistance.

As part of its effort to help combat domestic violence in Kosovo the OSCE Mission is currently running a public information campaign, “Real men never hit women”, which includes 

TV spots and posters and calls on the public to report domestic violence to the victims’ advocates.