Activities against Domestic Violence. Annual Progress Report

Transcription

1 Ministria e Drejtësisë Ministarstvo Pravde Ministry of Justice Zyra e Koordinatorit Nacional Kundër Dhunës në Familje Kancelarija Nacionalnog Kordinatora protiv nasilja u Porodici National Coordinator s Office against Domestic Violence Activities against Domestic Violence Annual Progress Report 2012 May 2013 Prishtinë/ Priština, Kosovo 1

2 Progress Report 2012 Kosovo Program against Domestic Violence and Action Plan Introductory speech The recognition of inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all human beings is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world. Disregard and disdain of human rights offends human conscience, and the highest aspiration of every man, therefore, is to create a world in which people enjoy freedom of speech, religion, freedom from fear and poverty the UN General Assembly Universal Declaration of Human Rights Violence, especially domestic violence was something that was kept inside the home and was a private matter, but with the development of society it took different dimensions, creating a legal environment and mechanisms to ensure the protection of domestic violence victims and punish those who exercise this violence. Domestic violence, wherever it occurs, is a violation of human rights which mostly affects women and girls, including all levels of the society without any distinction. State institutions have an obligation towards their citizens to create an environment which is free of violence. Cases of domestic violence are a reflection of institutional weakness. Hence, the political commitment and participation of the Government guarantees success in the implementation of this program. The National Coordinator against Domestic Violence, along with the Inter-ministerial Coordination Group, experts, observers and NGOs, will remain committed to the successful implementation of this program. Therefore, we commit to build a society that respects the rights and freedoms of every individual; a society with values, free of violence and discrimination. Deputy Minister of Justice, Daut Xhemajli Table of contents: 2

3 Raporti i Progresit 2012 Programi i Kosovës kundër Dhunës në Familje dhe Plani i Veprimit I. TABLE OF CONTENTS:... 3 II. LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS:... 4 III. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY... 6 IV. BACKGROUND... 7 A. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN KOSOVO... 7 B. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE STRUCTURE IN KOSOVO C. KOSOVO S PROGRAMME AND ACTION PLAN AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE V. PROGRESS A. MISCELLANIOUS B. PILLAR 1. PREVENTION Overall progress in the Prevention Pillar Main activities The 8 March Campaign and 16 Days of Activism Summary of activities C. PILLAR 2. PROTECTION AND SAFETY Overall progress in the Protection Pillar Main Activities Summary of activities.. 47 D. PILLAR 3. SUPPORT, TREATMENT AND REINTEGRATION Overall progress in the Rehabilitation Pillar Main Activities Summary of activities.. 50 VI. COLLABORATION AND SYNERGY...51 VII. CHALLANGES..52 VIII. CONCLUSIONS...52 IX. RECOMMENDATIONS AND FURTHER STEPS..53 X. ANNEX...55 A. POLICE STATISTICS.55 B. REPORTING INSTITUTIONS. 56 3

4 Progress Report 2012 Kosovo Program against Domestic Violence and Action Plan II. List of Abbreviations: AGE Agency for Gender Equality KAS KJI KJC KSC NC MPC UNDP UNKT UNICEF UNFPA PO MEST MLSW MJ MoI MF MCYS SAA MH NGO OSCE KP Kosovo Agency of Statistics Kosovo Judicial Institute Kosovo Judicial Council Kosovo Shelter Coalition National Coordinator Municipal Program Coordinator United Nations Development Program United Nations Kosovo Team United Nations Children s Fund United Nations Population Fund Protection Order Ministry of Education, Science and Technology Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare Ministry of Justice Ministry of Interior Ministry of Finance Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Stabilization and Association Agreement Ministry of Health Non-Governmental Organization Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Kosovo Police KPDV AP SP Kosovo Program against Domestic Violence and Action Plan State Prosecutor 4

5 Raporti i Progresit 2012 Programi i Kosovës kundër Dhunës në Familje dhe Plani i Veprimit AP ATHB Action Plan against Trafficking in Human Beings CSW KWN GBV OHCHR WSSI OPAV Centre for Social Work Kosova Women s Network Gender Based Violence Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights Women s Safety and Security Initiative Office for Protection and Assistance of Victims 5

6 Progress Report 2012 Kosovo Program against Domestic Violence and Action Plan III. Executive Summary Domestic violence and gender-based violence are present in our society, while we are challenged and have institutional and state obligations to build a society where women and young girls can possess and exercise all of their social, economic and cultural rights. While implementing the legal responsibilities and reflecting on this phenomenon, in the frame of human rights protection, the Government of Kosovo adopted the Program against Domestic Violence and Action Plan on The Kosovo Program against DV was implemented by Agency for Gender Equality and developed in collaboration with relevant responsible institutions and civil society representatives. The Kosovo Government Decision No 04/83 dated appointed the National Coordinator against Domestic Violence and set out his/ her responsibilities for leading the program implementation process. At the same time, Kosovo Government established the Interministerial Coordination Group represented by experts of this Group; Terms of Reference for the NCDV and Inter-ministerial Coordination Group have been adopted accordingly. The fight against domestic violence has now acquired all the institutional and political dimensions, including and activating all segments of the Kosovo society. The program serves as a national guide for upgrading the existing services, based on three main pillars: Prevention, Protection and security, Support, treatment and reintegration The report includes summary of activities implemented during 2012, within Kosovo s Program against Domestic Violence and Action Plan. 6

7 Raporti i Progresit 2012 Programi i Kosovës kundër Dhunës në Familje dhe Plani i Veprimit IV. Background A. Domestic Violence in Kosovo Domestic violence is an act that violates human rights. All human beings are born free and with equal rights and dignity; the rights belong to everyone and they are inalienable. Human rights are basic rights that every human being should enjoy. In Kosovo, domestic violence is defined as any intentional act or lack of action that results in harassment, and which is performed by a person who is or has been in a domestic relationship with the victim, including physical abuse (physical violence, physical pain, fear), psychological maltreatment (psychological pressure, psychological distress, causing feelings of fear, violation of dignity, insult, humiliation), sexual abuse (sexual relationship and abuse), economic abuse (injury, destruction of property, intimidation of the economic position of the victim). According to the Law, the aim and obligation of the state institutions is to prevent domestic violence, to protect and secure the victims, to prosecute perpetrators and offer support, training and reintegration for the domestic violence victims. Kosovo still doesn t have a system of unified periodic statistical data on domestic violence. Instead, results of conducted surveys, studies and research have been used, which served as the basis for developing policies and programs against domestic violence by national and local institutions. However, these research and studies bring us into line with the real situation of domestic violence in Kosovo, regardless of the different perceptions of this phenomenon in our society.¹ From the data presented in this report we understand that domestic violence in Kosovo is a phenomenon with relatively high proportions, but the reports indicate that it is being handled by the competent institutions in Kosovo. ¹KPDV and AP 7

8 Progress Report 2012 Kosovo Program against Domestic Violence and Action Plan Basic comparative statistics of addressed cases of domestic violence for 2011 / 2012 by Kosovo Police Year No of domestic violence cases Sheltered victims Identified victims, women Identified victims, men Arrests Initiated criminal proceedings

9 Raporti i Progresit 2012 Programi i Kosovës kundër Dhunës në Familje dhe Plani i Veprimit The Kosovo Statistical Office offers the following data: Domestic violence according to gender and years, 2010/2011 Year Women Men Source: KP, Directorate for Heavy Crimes, 2010 and

10 Progress Report 2012 Kosovo Program against Domestic Violence and Action Plan B. Institutional Structure against Domestic Violence in Kosovo In the effort to fight domestic violence through institutional mechanisms, Kosovo institutions have established the Institutional structure against Domestic Violence and have appointed as leading bodies the National Coordinator against Domestic Violence and the Inter-Ministerial Coordination Group, which consists of representatives of Ministries and other relevant institutions in Kosovo. This group is expanded and supplemented with other members, such as observers from the civil society and international partners, who support the prevention and fight against domestic violence in Kosovo. This group is commonly trying to coordinate and handle domestic violence from several aspects, ranging from prevention (through awareness activities and proactive investigations), through protection, rehabilitation and reintegration of victims. The National Coordinator against Domestic Violence is the Deputy Minister of Justice, Mr. Daut Xhemajli, who is an individual body responsible for coordination, monitoring and reporting the implementation of policies, activities and actions defined in the Program against Domestic Violence.² The National Coordinator, supported by the Secretariat against domestic violence, which is responsible for providing administrative and logistical support to the National Coordinator against Domestic Violence, serves as a reference point to ensure that the current Program is being implemented by all responsible parties through coordination, reporting and monitoring of their activities. The Inter-Ministerial Group consists of representatives of relevant institutions, whose mandate is to coordinate the implementation of policies and monitoring, as well as to report periodically on the achieved progress to the Office of the National Coordinator against Domestic Violence, and the Secretariat against Domestic Violence respectively. Given their role in assistance and prevention of victims, representatives of relevant ministries and other institutions participate in the Inter-Ministerial Group, whereas local NGOs and international partners are represented in the Inter-Ministerial Coordination Group in the capacity of experts. This group is committed to fight domestic violence, in cooperation with local and international partners based on NPDV and AP , as seen in the implementation guide for this strategy. The organizational chart of the Inter-ministerial Coordination Group is presented below: ²AGE Report 10

11 Organizational Structure of Coordination, Monitoring and Implementation of mechanisms against Domestic Violence in Kosovo NATIONAL COORDINATOR Secretariat against Domestic Violence Inter-Ministerial Coordination Group Niveli Strategjik Ministry of Justice Kosovo Police Minsitry of Labour and Social Welfare Ministry of Interior Ministry of Health Ministry of Finance Ministry of Education, Science and Technology Agency for Ministry of Gender Equality Culture, Youth and Sports Kosovo Agency of Statistics State Prosecutor Kosovo Judicial Council Kosovo Judicial Institute Niveli Opercional Parandalimi Ministry of Justice Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare Ministria of Interior/ KP Ministry of Health Ministry of Education, Science and Technology Ministry of Finance Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports ZKM, AGE NGOs, local and international Protection and security Ministry of Interior Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare Ministry of Health Ministry of Justice Kosovo Judicial Council Kosovo Prosecution Council /MV Kosovo Police International Organizations NGOs, local and international Support, Treatment and Reintegration Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare Ministry of Health Ministry of Justice International Organizations NGOs, Local and International Kosovo Shelter Coalition Local and International NGOs 11

12 Progress Report 2012 Kosovo Program against Domestic Violence and Action Plan C. Kosovo Program against Domestic Violence and Activity Plan Kosovo Program against Domestic Violence and Activity Plan , enables coordination of existing efforts and strategies of all departments and institutions governing various ministries and non-governmental organizations with a single aim to prevent and combat domestic violence³. In the Kosovo Program against Domestic Violence, AGE, representatives of the civil society and international organizations, using the recommendations of the involved experts have identified and designed three pillars which represent the base of the fight against domestic violence. Aiming to improve existing services, the Program has also addressed important issues for achieving success in the development and welfare of our society such as: lack of cooperation between institutions dealing with domestic violence, low capacity level to address issues of domestic violence between the main stakeholders, discrepancies in the referral system and lack of infrastructure to support victims. Prevention: The first pillar of the Program against Domestic Violence, aims to identify ways for education and awareness of society / inform citizens of Kosovo about domestic violence and its consequences, as well as to increase the community's capacity to respond to the violence phenomenon. The program also seeks to identify ways and means for victims of domestic violence to receive the necessary information for improving their safety and welfare. Protection and security: The second pillar of the Program against Domestic Violence contains activities that will affect the security and protection of victims of domestic violence, through appropriate legal and social services, such as legal and physical protection. Support, Treatment and Reintegration: The third pillar of the Program, part of which will be identifying and offering forms of action to improve the quality of support services for victims of domestic violence, professional treatment of perpetrators of domestic violence to their full integration into normal life. Reintegration of victims of domestic violence is a long process that requires a multidisciplinary approach and also an inclusion of all actors who work in protecting and providing services for victims of violence until the total rehabilitation of the victim. ³NPDV and AP, page 23 12

13 Raporti i Progresit 2012 Programi i Kosovës kundër Dhunës në Familje dhe Plani i Veprimit The objectives (strategic and specific) that are expected to be implemented are: ⁴ To create comprehensive and effective mechanisms for prevention of domestic violence: Develop policies at central and local levels for prevention, protection and provision of services for victims and perpetrators of domestic violence; To raise society awareness about domestic violence; to establish mechanisms for education and awareness of young people about domestic violence; to increase the number of reported cases of domestic violence. To have effective protection mechanisms for victims of domestic violence: To provide efficient services for the physical protection of victims of domestic violence throughout the territory of Kosovo; To increase the capacity of actors (police, prosecution, courts and Centers for Social Work) for better handling of domestic violence cases; To ensure legal aid for victims of domestic violence. To provide efficient services for the rehabilitation and reintegration of victims and perpetrators of domestic violence: To build and strengthen the capacity of health workers, social and educational services for the provision of services to victims of domestic violence; Development of economic policies to support victims and persons committing violence; Building and strengthening the social services (health, education, social, economic, legal) for victims and perpetrators of domestic violence. The program includes a variety of activities to be implemented from 2011 to 2014 in order to achieve objectives. It also foresees the establishment of a mechanism for monitoring and coordination to ensure a successful implementation of the program. ⁴NPDV and AP, page 49 13

14 Progress Report 2012 Kosovo Program against Domestic Violence and Action Plan V. Progress A. Miscellanious NPDV-AP were adopted by the decision of the Government of Kosovo no. 08/34 dated , and were enforced immediately following the decision of appointing a National Coordinator. During 2012, there are many activities of certain institutions which have been part of the Program and the Action Plan for this year and it can be concluded that the initiative has been successful and progressive for the implementation of this Program in many areas. During the month of September, a one-day workshop was held by the Inter-Ministerial Coordination Group, experts and the working group for developing Standard Operational Procedures of the Action. On 17/09/2012, the National Coordinator against Domestic Violence, following the delegation of representatives of certain institutions called the first meeting, whereby the Inter-Ministerial Coordination Group against Domestic Violence was established. A one-day workshop of the Inter-Ministerial Coordination Group was held in September together with experts and the working group for developing the Standard Operating Procedures of the Action. On the occasion of the International Day against Gender-Based Violence and the start of the 16 days of activism campaign, the National Coordinator called a conference on with the following topic: Implementation of activities and achievements of the National Strategy and Action Plan against Domestic Violence for The national campaign 16 days of activism was finalized on , the day that marks Human Rights. On this day the National Coordinator held a conference titled Addressing domestic violence cases in In order to better understand the program s achievement against DV, the report is divided in three pillars: Prevention, Protection and security, Support, treatment and reintegration. Each pillar will report on the overall progress, main activities and summary of actions. Prevention 14

15 Raporti i Progresit 2012 Programi i Kosovës kundër Dhunës në Familje dhe Plani i Veprimit Overall progress in the prevention pillar As the first pillar of the Program, it implies that Kosovo institutions, in close cooperation with all local and international stakeholders, will find the best ways for the education and awareness of the Kosovan society about domestic violence, its consequences, and it will also build the community's capacity to respond to the phenomenon of violence, while victims of domestic violence have the necessary information to improve their safety and welfare. This pillar requires and involves unification of all institutions and NGOs, and their sharing of duties and legal responsibilities. The progress in this pillar has been evident; many activities have been implemented and have shown concrete success, while the main actors who have played special roles in the implementation of this pillar are: Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, United Nations Development Programme, Women Safety and Security Initiative, Agency for Gender Equality, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, etc. The activities were oriented towards information on Domestic Violence, raising awareness and education of the society about their rights and about violence as a phenomenon present in our country. 2. Main activities A number of activities are implemented under the first pillar and are regularly reported by various actors who are part of the NPDV and AP. The National Coordinator against Domestic Violence / Ministry of Justice The National Coordinator held the first meeting on the occasion of the establishment of the Inter-Ministerial Coordination Group, where experiences and information were exchanged between all stakeholders in an effort to coordinate the activities between them. The National Coordinator also held the one-day workshop on the development of Standard Operating Procedures of Action for the treatment of victims of domestic violence, and two conferences were held on the topics: Implemented activities/achievements of the National Plan and Strategy against Domestic Violence in 2012 when the 16 Days of Activism campaign commenced and the International Day against gender-based violence was marked. The other conference was the closing event of the campaign with the topic Treatment of domestic violence cases in

16 Progress Report 2012 Kosovo Program against Domestic Violence and Action Plan Agency for Gender Equality AGE has implemented the draft decision of the Government to appoint a National Coordinator and Coordination Group against Domestic Violence, and developed its activities based on the Kosovo Program and Action Plan, especially in the first pillar of Prevention. In the prevention pillar, with the aim of raising awareness about the consequences of domestic violence and commitment of the society to eradicate this phenomenon, AGE has continued to lead the working group in developing the Standard Operating Procedures for treating victims of domestic violence. It has conducted the training of social workers in the Centers for Social Work, in collaboration with Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare and OSCE about the Law on Protection against Domestic Violence. In cooperation with WSSI/UNDP and OSCE, AGE has organized a one-day workshop with the editors of print and electronic media that report on Gender Based Violence. On the occasion of 16 days of activism for the elimination of violence against women with the motto: Communicate with words rather than with violence AGE has organized several activities in 5 capital's libraries: distribution of sets of applicable legislation providing information on protection from domestic violence and ensuring gender equality. In cooperation with WSSI / UNDP advertisements are placed throughout the country with the above mentioned motto. It has recorded a TV commercial video, addressing domestic violence by engaging public figures to speak about the necessity of combating this negative phenomenon. Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare Within the legal responsibilities for policy development and delivery of social and family services for victims of domestic violence, as well as monitoring and inspecting the quality of social services, its duties include ensuring the implementation of policies, legislation and minimum standards for the provision of these services. It has achieved contracts and agreements for purchasing services through tendering procedures with 6 (six) shelters in Kosovo, for protection and sheltering victims of domestic violence, by supporting them with 50% of the costs with the monthly amount of EUR 2,000 for each shelter. Centers for Social Work in 2012 reported 300 cases where victims of domestic violence were treated; out of which 220 are women, 15 minors and 65 children indirectly affected by domestic violence. In cooperation with OSCE and AGE, it carried out training for social service providers in the CSW, NGOs and an officer for gender equality to address domestic violence, human rights and the legal framework of Kosovo. It has driven the implementation of the Administrative Instruction to determine the place and methods of psychosocial treatment of perpetrators of domestic violence, by the Prime Minister. 16

17 Raporti i Progresit 2012 Programi i Kosovës kundër Dhunës në Familje dhe Plani i Veprimit Besides engaging in the primary role of the Ministry for the support, treatment and reintegration, it was engaged in the prevention and awareness raising activities against domestic violence through taking part in meetings organized by the National Coordinator; taking part in the RTV 21 Channel morning program on the topic Handling of domestic violence cases and in the RTK Channel in TV show Searching. Its representatives also participated in all meetings organized by all stakeholders, where the aim was to contribute to the awareness raising about the fight against domestic violence. Ministry of Interior / Kosovo Police MoI, respectively the Kosovo Police, in line with its legal responsibilities has carried out police activities in addition to the legal responsibility of law enforcement and commitment to cooperation and coordination with other entities, in order to achieve the objectives of prevention, protection, rehabilitation and reintegration of the victims. Police representatives have participated in many conferences, where the phenomenon of domestic violence has been tackled; they have taken part in various workshops with other institutions dealing with domestic violence; they have contributed to the drafting of the Administrative Instructions, etc. On the occasion of the International Day against domestic violence "16 days of activism", it has organized several conferences aiming the prevention, awareness and sensibilization about domestic violence, such as the Conference in Peja/ Peć titled Addressing domestic violence by the institutions. The Conference in Prishtina/ Priština targeted the raising of awareness about legal rights for victims of domestic violence, with civil society representatives and institutions officials dealing with domestic violence. Press conference for the Launch of the pilot project for the interview rooms for victims of domestic violence and the Press Conference to launch the pilot project Lecturing in primary schools in Podujevë/Podujevo and Obiliç/Obilic". Participation in media programs dealing with domestic violence, in order to raise the awareness of citizens: RTK, TV21, RROKUM TV, Radio Free Europe and in the daily newspapers Kosova Sot, Epoka e Re, Koha Ditore, etc. Ministry of Education, Science and Technology In continuation of its work to prevent domestic violence and trafficking, MEST carried out the following activities within its legal responsibilities: The topic of domestic violence continues to be part of the curriculum at all levels of education. 17

18 Progress Report 2012 Kosovo Program against Domestic Violence and Action Plan There are more than 10 workshops conducted with 360 students from six (6) municipalities, to discuss the role of schools in identifying and reporting domestic violence. It has organized various competitions in schools against human trafficking and distributed gifts to the winners of these competitions. It has finalized the protocol against domestic violence which envisages the reporting of domestic violence. Various activities have been conducted in schools on the occassion of the girls day. It held a conference with students on the topic my rights, on the occassion of "1 June" the International Children's Day. It organized a debate titled Decision-making in education on the 8 th Women's Day). March (International Various activities were conducted in schools during the 16 days of activism and during the week of victims of crime. There are about 140 active pedagogues psychologists in the schools of Kosovo For the 16 days of activism campaign in the area of domestic violence the Human Rights Unit within MEST, respectively the Officer for Gender Equality planned activities in schools, which were held with nine grade students and the students Parliament, with the School Committee for children s rights and freedoms. On the at the HilmiRakovica school in Prishtinë/ Priština and on at the BedriGjikja school in Mitrovicë/ Mitrovica, activities included informative lectures on domestic violence, which as a result, brings violence in schools; then a discussion about violence was held with students; the discussion was on domestic violence and how it affects families It also participated in regular meetings of the Group for Gender issues in education, by contributing to the gender perspective within the education system. Along with other commitments, it is worth noting the cooperation with the Parliamentary Committee for Human Rights,Gender Equality, Missing persons and Petitions, as well as with many local and international organizations working on gender issues. Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports As part of the prevention pillar, MCYS seeks to identify the ways of educating the society and raising its awareness about domestic violence and its consequences. 18

19 Raporti i Progresit 2012 Programi i Kosovës kundër Dhunës në Familje dhe Plani i Veprimit The awareness raising process of the public about the role and importance of the position of women in society has been reflected, through artistic creativity, in the strengthening of the women s role in the society and in combating gender stereotypes that prevent domestic violence. As part of the "16 days of activism" campaign, the Kosovo National Theatre has performed the Lisistrata comedy, which expresses protest against the war and raises awareness for people to establish peace. The Ministry has also monitored the daily press during the campaign "16 days of activism against domestic violence" for the purpose of analyzing the quantity and quality of the articles, taking into consideration that the media stimulate and develop the public debate about efficiency against domestic violence. Ministry representatives have participated in training and certain round tables where domestic violence has been tackled, as well as its protection and the reporting about it on the Kosovo media. State Prosecutor As a part of fulfillment of its legal responsibilities under the Kosovo Program and Action Plan, the Office for Protection and Assistance of Victims (OPAV) has carried out many activities to protect the rights of victims and to provide housing services, medical care and other services for the victims. Services are offered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; throughout the territory of Kosovo, information on legal rights and counseling was carried out for each case of victims of domestic violence. Preparation of applications for protection orders, emergency protection orders and different charges have also been carried out. It has accompanied and represented victims in the police, in prosecution and in front of courts. It has also referred and carried out psycho-social and medical support, as well as shelter for victims of domestic violence. It has worked in 868 cases of violence and has initiated 410 protection orders (initiated 68 emergency protection orders and 342 protection orders) while the courts have issued 292 protection orders where Victims Advocates have represented these victims in court sessions. Victims Advocates have accompanied and sheltered 126 cases of domestic violence in various shelters. Victim s Advocates have participated in all activities against domestic violence and in the drafting of various documents with different stakeholders. They have also participated in training related to the issue of domestic violence. The Office of the State Prosecutor has had numerous activities within the prevention pillar, ranging from the organization of the conference with approximately 250 participants Rights of victims of crime week, under the umbrella of the Chief State Prosecutor with the motto The 19

20 Progress Report 2012 Kosovo Program against Domestic Violence and Action Plan protection of victims of crime - our obligation. The purpose of the conference was raising the public awareness about the rights, treatment, protection and rehabilitation of victims. The Chief of State visited the shelter for victims of domestic violence in Gjakova/ Djakovica, and a round table was held in the Prosecutor s Office in Gjakova/ Djakovica on the topic Addressing the Cases of Domestic Violence. As part of the campaign, a conference was dedicated to children and children from 38 municipalities attended. Three of them, as panelists, held presentations on the phenomenon of domestic violence. In the frame of the awareness process a debate was organized on RTV 21, to tackle the cases of domestic violence and related to the provision of services by the Office for Protection and Assistance to Victims. The OPAV also participated on the TV show Search broadcasted through RTK, which discussed about the duties of the victims advocates and about a concrete case of domestic violence. During 2012 the competent Prosecutor Offices received 477 criminal charges, and inherited 120 cases from the previous year. Decisions were rendered for 581 criminal charges this year, as follows: - Criminal charges were withdrawn for 96 persons, - Investigations were suspended for 2 persons, - Prosecution was waived for 6 persons, - Draft indictments were filed against 293 persons, - Draft indictments were filed against 80 persons for the issuance of the Punishment Order. - Direct indictments were filed against 14 persons, - Indictments against 21 persons were presented after the investigation, - Criminal charges against 15 persons have been resolved in another way, and - 54 people were referred to the competence of other prosecution offices This year, there have been 11 criminal charges filed against minors whereas 3 cases were inherited from the previous year. Prosecutor s offices this year have decided on 9 cases; they have withdrawn criminal charges against 7 persons, and they have proposed educational measures against 2 persons. 20

21 Raporti i Progresit 2012 Programi i Kosovës kundër Dhunës në Familje dhe Plani i Veprimit Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) During 2012, the sector for equality, non-discrimination and anti-trafficking of human beings in the OSCE, in coordination and cooperation with AGE implemented the project "Enhancing accountability for the gender equality and domestic violence issues in Kosovo". As part of the abovementioned project, the training of social workers and shelter representatives was developed in Kosovo level, involving the OPAV workers in treating victims of domestic violence. In cooperation with the Office for Protection and Assistance of Victims, training was organized for their roles and responsibilities, which was based on the applicable law. In cooperation with the Kosovo Police, training was organized for police officers of the domestic violence units for their responsibilities arising from the Law on Protection against Domestic Violence. This one-day training was attended by 120 police officers. During 2012, the OSCE has supported the SOS line for trafficking cases as well as domestic violence in various forms. This line functions within the Office for Protection and Assistance to Victims / State Prosecutor s Office, through awareness campaigns, TV and radio debates, TV and radio commercials, distribution of posters and leaflets with messages against domestic violence and human trafficking, as well as information about the functioning of this line. In cooperation with UNDP and AGE, one-day training was organized with the journalists engaged in the area of gender-based violence. During the 16-day campaign against violence against women, the OSCE Sector for equality, nondiscrimination and anti-trafficking of human beings, organized training on gender mainstreaming in legislation and the policy for municipal and central level staff. Training was held in all Kosovo regions, by an international expert on gender issues recruited by the OSCE. About 80 participants that work in the area of gender issues benefited from the training. OSCE has representatives in the Inter-Ministerial Coordination Group against Domestic Violence, which supports and takes an active part in the implementation of the Kosovo Program and Action Plan against domestic violence. United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Women Safety and Security Initiative (WSSI Plus) As an international partner, UNDP helps countries develop and build national capacities to achieve sustainable human development in education, employment, healthcare, etc. 21

22 Progress Report 2012 Kosovo Program against Domestic Violence and Action Plan The second objective of the UNDP WSSI project is: the development, implementation and monitoring of the Kosovo Program against Domestic Violence and Action Plan The fifth objective of the WSSI plus is related to raising awareness of the population on the gender based violence. - In the period between February and May 2012, it has monitored eight daily newspapers related to their reporting in the area of gender based violence and its findings are that the report is informative rather than educational/ awareness raising. - It organized a round table with editors of all forms of media in the country, with the aim of issuing recommendations on improving the reporting on gender-based violence, for the purpose of raising awareness among the population in Kosovo. - In cooperation with the Group of Women Parliamentarian it has organized a round table on the topic Women in Kosovo and their access to justice During the 16 days of activism, it has developed and organized many activities: - It has supported the National Coordinator in organizing the constitutional meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Coordination Group and organizing round tables for the kick-off and the closing of the campaign. - In coordination with the KP and the NGO Zana, it has organized two debates with representatives of the civil society in Prishtinë / Priština and Pejë/ Peć. - In cooperation with the AGE, it has placed advertisements/billboards with the following slogan Communicate with words and not with violence in the Kosovo municipalities (Mitrovicë/ Mitrovica, Drenas/ Glogovac, Podujevë/ Podujevo, FushëKosovë/ Kosovo Polje, Gjakovë/ Djakovica, Peja/ Peć, Lipjan/ Lipljan, Prizren, Dragash/ Dragaš, Ferizaj/ Uroševac, Shtime/ Štimlje, Gjilan/ Gnjilane, Malishevë/ Mališevo, Rahovec/ Orahovac, Graçanicë/ Gračanica). UNDP WSSI Plus implemented many other activities that will be presented later in this report, including the activities in the area of prevention. The UNKT program about the Domestic Violence in Kosovo The Joint Program on Domestic Violence in Kosovo was designed by the UN Task Force on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), which consists of UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, UN Women and OHCHR, under the direction and responsibility of the UN Coordinator for Development, through an inclusive and participatory process. Consultations were focused on the evaluation and legitimating the key areas to support the implementation of the Kosovo Program against 22

23 Raporti i Progresit 2012 Programi i Kosovës kundër Dhunës në Familje dhe Plani i Veprimit Domestic Violence and Action Plan (KPDV - AP) for the period , in accordance with the identified weaknesses and challenges in addressing GBV in Kosovo, and which is supported by the UNKT Joint Program on GBV. The UNKT Joint Programme on GBV supported the implementation of the KPDV and AP through the adoption of a comprehensive approach to address domestic violence in three pilot municipalities. In response to concerns raised during the extended consultation process, the program has issued the following general objectives: 1. Raising awareness about DV and improving access to services for survivors of domestic violence in pilot municipalities; 2. Empowering formal/ informal service chain for the prevention of DV, protection and reintegration services through effective interventions in pilot municipalities; 3. Strengthening economic independence for survivors of domestic violence and providing counseling to the families and perpetrators; 4. Dissemination of the program outcomes, and taking advantage of the lessons learned and sharing them with other municipalities. Besides the support for implementation of the KPDV - AP, this program sets out the meeting of objectives through four key methods for intervention: a) Prevention: raising awareness among women/ girls and men/ boys about DV and the rights of women in pilot municipalities; b) Protection: increased financial capacity and sustainability for the DV defense mechanisms to deliver quality services in pilot municipalities; c) Reintegration: building economic independence for (potential) survivors of DV and providing counseling for the families and the perpetrators; and d) Closing: dissemination, legitimating, reiteration of the program outcomes, as well as lessons learned through the policy dialogue between stakeholders in different levels. UNDP through its project Advancing Gender Justice: During the reporting period, UNDP has implemented an activity with an alternative financing arrangement for the project "Advancing Gender Justice", implemented by the UNDP and funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands. Following a recommendation by the donor, in the first quarter of 2012, in order to support the Economic Reintegration component of the Program, it provided support for legal offices through the UNDP Project Advancing Gender Justice, which was implemented during the 23

24 Progress Report 2012 Kosovo Program against Domestic Violence and Action Plan reporting period through the UNDP project. Reallocation of funds has enabled the implementation of the activity - Linking enterprises with survivors of DV in the three Pilot Municipalities - that was added to the Joint Annual Work Plan at the request of the donor, and it has started in the last quarter of Arrangements for the implementation and monitoring The overall supervision of the program is implemented by the Program Board. UNICEF: The general survey was developed by the implementing partner "FTK" in close consultation with and monitoring of the staff of UNICEF program and the three MPC (Municipal Program Coordinators). UNDP has implemented four activities during the reporting period related to the identification of social services, implemented in the first quarter, and identification of the economic opportunities, to be implemented in the fourth quarter For the training of legal officers of the Agency for Free Legal Aid and representatives of the Kosovo Chamber of Advocates in the three pilot municipalities, a national instructor was recruited for a short term. The fourth activity 'Linking enterprises with survivors of DV in the three pilot municipalities' was prepared by the staff of the GBV program with the support of UNDP during the third quarter of 2012, and starting the implementation period in the fourth quarter in This activity is ongoing. UN Women: The work of consultants, mediators and trainers recruited by UN Women to prepare and deliver: a report on "The budget allocation for DV services at municipal level; the functioning of coordination mechanisms and knowledge on GBV" developing working conditions, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP for DV CMs), Capacity Needs Assessment Reports on DV CMs, seminars on Gender Responsible Budgeting and GRB Manual, are all developed under the supervision of UN Women program staff and three MPC (Municipal Program Coordinators). UNFPA: Activities related to the health sector and NGOs are directly put into practice by the implementing partner, the Kosovo Women's Network (KWN). The educational theater activities are implemented by the Centre for Development of Arts - Artpolis. The effective monitoring system is ensured through regular meetings with KWN and Artpolis, through field visits and subsequent meetings following the activities, including the subsequent work through MPCs. OHCHR: The international consultant responsible for working in the research report on survivors of sexual abuse during the conflict has performed under close supervision and coordination with the OHCHR program staff. 24

25 Raporti i Progresit 2012 Programi i Kosovës kundër Dhunës në Familje dhe Plani i Veprimit In February and March 2012, three events were organized to launch the GBV program in the municipality of Gjilan/ Gnjilane, Gjakova/ Djakovica and Dragash/ Dragaš. The three events were attended by a great number of people and included representatives of local authorities, police, courts/ prosecutors' offices, centers for social work, legal aid offices, victim advocates, women's shelters, local NGOs and staff of the implementing agencies. A delegation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland visited Kosovo in the first week of November 2012, where it held a meeting with the Gjilan/ Gnjilane municipal structures and visited "Liria" shelter for women in Gjilan/ Gnjilane. In both meetings, the delegation was able to obtain information on the implementation of program activities and their impact, but also was able to learn more about DV issues in the municipalities and the challenges they face in addressing these issues. NPC, MPC and the staff of Agencies held regular meetings with representatives of various national and international organizations and agencies to coordinate activities related to the GBV. Following the establishment of the Inter-Ministerial Coordination Group against Domestic Violence in Kosovo, and the invitation by the National Coordinator for the National Coordinator against DV in UN agencies, to join the Group in the capacity of expert/observer, the UN Development Coordinator appointed the NPC for GBV that will be representing the five UN agencies for GBV in this mechanism. The NPC will serve as a communication bridge between the Inter-Ministerial Coordination Group and the five UN agencies, in order to present their views and recommendations in this mechanism. UNICEF has developed a comprehensive study/survey on: the presence of violence, family values, beliefs, consequences, risk factors, community responsiveness and services provided for DV / GBV in three pilot municipalities. During 2012, the OHCHR Office in Kosovo initiated a comprehensive study on Sexual Based Violence (SBV) which is related to the conflict in the past. The aim of the study is to identify discrepancies in legislation and to recommend necessary steps regarding access to compensation. This study will be finalized in early 2013 and will serve as an advocacy mechanism based on the evidence that will inform the legislation and the future policy making about compensation of survivors of the Sexual Based Violence (SBV). In order to cover all the long-term consequences of sexual violence, to ensure access to all services and survival strategies, as well as compensation needs, the research team set out the reference question for a total of 38 survivors of sexual violence, out of three municipalities/ 25

26 Progress Report 2012 Kosovo Program against Domestic Violence and Action Plan municipal groups: Gjakovë/ Djakovica, Deçan/ Dečani, Drenas/ Glogovac, FushëKosovë/ Kosovo Polje, Klinë/ Klina and Prishtinë/ Priština. In the fourth quarter of 2012, UNDP organized one day training for legal officers of the Agency for Legal Aid and for representatives of the Kosovo Chamber of Advocates from the three pilot municipalities where the Kosovo legislative framework in relation to domestic violence was introduced, including primary and secondary legislation. On this occasion, the Kosovo Program against Domestic Violence and Action Plan were elaborated before the above mentioned partners, with particular emphasis on the roles and responsibilities of institutions that offer services in the fight against domestic violence. The training was attended by a total of 20 participants. UNFPA Conducted campaigns at a community level in raising awareness of the population about DV/ GBV in the three pilot municipalities. As a part of the approximation activities with the community in the field, UNFPA has contracted the "Artpolis" NGO to develop educational-theater activities to address GBV in three municipalities. Education trainings have been organized based on the theater in Gjilan/ Gnjilane, Gjakovë/ Djakovica and Dragash/ Dragaš (for young Albanians and Gorani) during July September UN Women Developed gender policy analysis at municipal level and the budget allocation for relevant policies and activities. According to the findings of the report, there is room for lobbying and increased commitment to Gender Equality by Municipal officers and the civil society obtaining funds from municipalities, provided that the needs are well introduced and supported with proper reasoning. UN Women - Developed training activities on Gender Responsive Budgeting (GRB), development of modules for the Terms of Reference for GRB training and study. The GRB training took place in October and 5-7 November 2012, with participants from Coordination Mechanism. In the first quarter, UNDP has completed the planned activities to identify formal and informal social services available to survivors and potential survivors of DV in three pilot municipalities of the Joint Programme. In order to prevent and respond to DV, representatives of the NGOs active in this field, including representatives of key departments in the three municipalities are already involved in preventing and responding to DV. UNICEF Organized development of curricula and advanced training for social service professionals. While in the past, coordination meetings were held as part of the activity, challenges faced by social services due to the decentralization process, has resulted in a missing agency which would assume responsibility for the implementation of training programs for the 26