Domestic violence continues to remain one of the most disturbing problems in Kosovo, while recent figures show the reported cases remain at alarming levels. In addition to the high number of cases, concern remains the way justice institutions handle these works.
The European Commission’s report on Kosovo, published this week, records serious shortcomings in dealing with cases of domestic violence, particularly criticising judicial decisions and mild penalties against perpetrators.
According to the report, although most cases are handled with priorities from justice institutions, in line with the guidelines of the Kosovo Prosecutorial Council and the Judiciary Council, the results remain inefficient and often end with poor bias.
Kosovo Police data shows that between 2,000 and 509 cases of domestic violence were reported during 2025, while 2 thousand and 547 cases were recorded in 2024. The European Commission stresses that this continues to be the most reported form of gender-based violence in the country.
Figures are also disturbing for the last period. During the past two weeks alone, 142 cases of domestic violence have been recorded in Kosovo.
69 cases have been reported from October 23rd to October 30th, while another 73 cases have been recorded from October 30th to November 6th.
These data come at a time when the country has been shaken by serious cases of violence against women, especially after Arlinda’s assassination, bringing victims’ safety and the responsibility of institutions to protect them.
The European Commission also raises concerns about the system of prevention and protection of victims, which it deems insufficient. The problem remains as well as data collection, as nine institutions provide integrated bases for cases of domestic violence, but registration is not done uniformly and not all forms of gender-based violence are involved.
The report also requires linking the criminal evidence system with the basis for domestic violence, so that institutions can exchange information more easily.
The criticism is also about funding services to victims. The European Commission requires the creation of a multi-year financing scheme for housing so that they can have stability and ensure the continuation of services.
The report also estimates that the National Co-ordinator against violence needs more personnel and resources, as well as concrete programmes for effective implementation of his mandate.
The report’s findings highlight the gap between institutional commitments and the protection offered to victims in practice, while soft sentences, lack of co-ordination and sustainable housing financing remain among the main problems requiring solutions.
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Source Layer: Signal