As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage the world, there are more and more reports coming on increase of domestic violence cases that, in some countries, are up to more than 30 percent. Domestic violence includes an entirety of intentional actions or omissions through which physical, psychological, sexual and economic maltreatment is exercised by a person who is or has been in a family relationship with the victim.

Domestic violence manifests numerous and diverse characteristics and in Kosovo it is significantly expressed as a physical and psychological violence, as well as economic and sexual violence. According to the data, victims of domestic violence in most cases are women, followed by children, elderly, as well as other persons within family.

To mitigate the spread of the pandemic, the local authorities in Kosovo have imposed strong measures by encouraging people to stay at home and restricting movement of citizens and private vehicles within certain timeline in order to prevent infection and control infected cases with COVID-19.

According to the official statistics from the Kosovo Police, there is an increase in number of reported cases of domestic violence in the period January -February 2020 and will most probably further increase in the upcoming months. To support the selfless work of the KP who continue to demonstrate a high level of professionalism and commitment to serve in maintaining the safety and security of all citizens in Kosovo, including responding to cases of domestic violence in this difficult situation, UNDP’s Kosovo Safety and Security Programme (KSSP) has supported the Kosovo Police officers by providing health protective items.

We hope that UNDP’s contribution will make the work of the brave women and men a little bit easier and wish them all continued success in providing a safe and secure environment for all.

Cases of domestic violence reported to Kosovo Police during Jan-Mar 2020/2019

Author: Mentor Cakolli, KSSP Project Manager

Read more:

Link to the PR: KP contribution

Link to the PR: Shelter contribution

UN backs global action to end violence against women and girls amid COVID-19 crisis: https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/04/1061132

UN chief calls for domestic violence ‘ceasefire’ amid ‘horrifying global surge’: https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/04/1061052

Statement by Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Executive Director of UN Women: https://www.unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2020/4/statement-ed-phumzile-violence-against-women-during-pandemic