Social and Cultural Aspects of Domestic Violence in Kosovo

In our society, marriage and the family enjoy special protection, and these are guaranteed by the Constitution. The institution of marriage and family relations are regulated by family law and are protected by criminal law. There are many forms of domestic violence, such as physical violence, psychological violence, violence against children, violence against women, violence against parents, etc., and unfortunately, we encounter almost all types in the society we live in today. Domestic violence is often seen more as a private matter rather than a violation of fundamental human rights, which hinders the proper addressing of cases and encourages the silence of victims. In many cases, due to social stigmatization and fear of judgment or losing family status, victims are reluctant to report the violence. Furthermore, economic inequality and the low employment rate of women strengthen their dependency on abusive partners, forcing them to remain in violent relationships. Effective addressing domestic violence requires an integrated approach and inter-institutional cooperation. This includes not only the implementation of existing laws but also the provision of protective and rehabilitative services, as well as the creation of mechanisms for monitoring violence and protecting victims.