The Council of Europe project “Aligning laws and policies with the Istanbul Convention” in Kosovo* has supported the Ministry of Justice in piloting the first national program for perpetrators of domestic violence in Dubrava Prison.
The “Programme for Treatment of Perpetrators of Violence against Women” was piloted during 6 months and aimed at changing the violent behaviours of perpetrators, encouraging them to take responsibility for their actions and examine their attitudes and beliefs towards women. The national programme is designed in line with Article 16 in the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (Istanbul Convention).
Through a psycho-educational approach the programme worked with 20 perpetrators. They received support in developing communication skills, improving their interpersonal relationships, and made aware of the impact of violence on parenting and the harm it causes on children as witnesses of such violence.
The Minister of Justice Albulena Haxhiu, in her visit to Dubrava Prison emphasised “Along with the legal framework and dissuasive sanctions, the Programmes for Treatment of Perpetrators have a significant impact in breaking the cycle of violence and supporting the prisoners not to reoffend after the release.”
*All reference to Kosovo, whether to the territory, institutions or population, in this text shall be understood in full compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 and without prejudice to the status of Kosovo.
