Data-Driven Change: Improving Domestic Violence Response in Kosovo

In 2023, the scope and impact of the Unified Database for Monitoring and Prosecuting Domestic Violence Cases witnessed significant enhancement. By now, training has been provided to 200 institutional representatives, demonstrating a strengthened commitment to addressing domestic violence effectively through a systemic approach. This marks a notable progression from 2019 when the database was established as a key tool for monitoring and prosecution.

Recent years have seen vital updates to the criminal code and adjustments aligning with the Istanbul Convention, a critical component of the legal framework. December 2023 marked a significant milestone with the integration of three new modules into the database: Kosovo Probation Service; Kosovo Correctional Service; Agency for Free Legal Aid. thereby enriching the system's capacity, reach and automation. 

Ms. Albina Stavileci, IT engineer, who has been a consultant to support to further development of DataBase, technically spearheading the project, is enthusiastic about project’s implementation until now, and its further expansion to include more elements that could improve public services for the survivors of domestic violence.

"The new modules have been integrated successfully into the database, enabling us to monitor the quality of the progress made in any given individual case, as well as complete support system, not only the punitive but the restorative elements, victim advocates and so on.” Ms. Albina seems to be particularly proud that the database as the first of its kind in the region and as far as we know in the world, bringing a lot of regional attention as a best practice. “People have been wowed throughout all our presentation in the region and further, but what is more important, we are improving the quality of services, for domestic violence survivors, increase in speed and quality of processing cases.”- she adds.

Collaborating with Ms. Florentina Beqiraj, Human Rights Coordinator at the Ministry of Justice, they observe a nuanced trend in the data: a mild decrease in cases against women and girls, with a slight rise in cases involving men and boys. Ms. Beqiraj highlights the system's inclusion of nine institutions, significantly improving the coordination of responses to domestic violence and streamlining information exchange. “There is no more lag in the information exchange. No need to wait for that email, because with every prompt that is responded to, an email chain is generated and sent to specific responsible entity/ies.” she says nodding in confirmation.  

Current Impact and Future Outlook

The database stands as a testament to a strong commitment to preventing domestic violence, offering a model of best practice for integrated data analysis leading to effective institutional responses and policy development. The database has evolved into a more robust tool for combating domestic violence, aligning with broader objectives to reduce gender-based violence.

Police, as initial responders to domestic violence incidents, play a crucial role in data entry, triggering specific institutional responses. Seargent Xhemile Behluli from the Kosovo Police emphasizes the system's enhancement of public services in security and justice. Despite our technological limitations, the database remains fully operational. Though there is a pressing need for technological upgrades to maintain efficiency, especially in terms of new workstation PCs or laptops for Police officers.

Ms. Stavileci, Ms. Beqiraj, and sergeant Behluli concur on the necessity to expand the database to include gender-based cases and other complex situations involving marginalized groups. This expansion requires additional support from development partners and institutions.

The Unified Database for Domestic Violence is a collaborative success story, symbolizing a systemic exchange of information for the benefit of all involved. It underscores the power of  UN supported collective efforts in creating effective and impactful solutions.

For publicly accessible data from the Domestic Violence DataBase, please follow this [LINK].