As a result of discrimination and social inequality, woman continues to be exposed, more or less, to violence. Violence against woman is violence of human rights and remains concerning problem, versus of which, responsible authorities, but the whole society as well, should not at any time remain speechless.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Woman marks the start of 16 days activism against violence towards woman, not as a torn apart campaign and limited at time, but as intensification of global strives to prevent violence against woman.

In national context, violence against woman remains upsetting! In many cases, woman is not solely the victim of violence exercised on her, but of failure to act and the negligence of respective institutions. Kosovo has a solid legal base for protection from domestic violence, including here the Law on Crime Victim Compensation No. 05/L -036, which despite the fact that recognizes to the victims of domestic violence the right to financial compensation, as victims of violent criminal actions, continues to be inapplicable.

The Ombudsperson reiterates competent authorities which provide services for victims of domestic violence on the necessity of implementation of recommendations from the Reports which handle this issue:

• Strengthening of coordination of institutions which deal with domestic violence and close cooperation between state institutions, civil society and the society in general on prevention of violence against woman.;
• Monitoring of budgetary costs as per means allocated for protection of victims of domestic violence;
• Specialization of judges within Basic Courts on domestic violence issues.
• Harmonization of the Law for Protection from Domestic Violence with other Laws (for ex. With the Law on Contested Procedure) due to incompatibility with some provisions);
• Presentation of the statistical data for the reported domestic violence cases in institutions which deal with this issue (Police, Prosecution, Court, etc.)
• Accurate official statistical data as per domestic violence cases in Kosovo
• Capacity building – licensing of officials for domestic violence
• Training of teachers as per domestic violence issues
• Establishment of the National Fund for compensation of domestic violence victims
• Inclusion in the country Constitution of the Convention of European Council for combating violence against woman and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention).

The Ombudsperson emphasizes that violence against woman can and ought to be banned, by putting the energy of joint social and institutional deeds on preventive measures and strives to address this issue as a problem which seeks solution. Inclusive education and awareness rising regarding equal gender treatment, woman’s inclusion in every segment of social, economic and cultural life are essential for achieving general progress.