In the framework of the project ‘’Reinforcing the fight against violence against women and domestic violence in Kosovo*-Phase II’’ the Council of Europe organised an online conference that gathered over 40 local and international stakeholders.

Frank Power, the Head of Council of Europe Office in Pristina opened the conference, emphasizing the importance of this event as among the first of the kind in Kosovo*.

Daniel Cangemi, the Head of Department on Human Dignity and Gender Equality at Council of Europe further noted the need to change stereotypical attitudes and behaviours of men and boys, as a means to preventing violence against women.

Selim Selimi, Kosovo* Minister of Justice, presented the policy and legal frameworks that the Ministry has and is developing in combating domestic violence and violence against women.

Marta Becerra, the Head of Capacity Building and Co-operation Projects Unit of the Council of Europe Gender Equality Division presented the Council of Europe Istanbul Convention standards on dealing with perpetrators of violence against women and domestic violence (Article 16). Whereas, Cristina Oddone, Council of Europe International expert for the project, shared practices of other countries in dealing with perpetrators. She also presented the preliminary findings of the ongoing research on issues with perpetrators of violence against women in Kosovo*.

Local authorities, international organisations and other actors’ exchanges experiences and shared their views on how best practices could be applied in Kosovo* for setting up treatment programmes for perpetrators.

* All references to Kosovo, whether 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.