The conference on the assessment of the current situation of Shelters and their financial stability, held

In her speech, Minister Çitaku stated:

I feel very privileged and happy to have the opportunity to speak before you on a very delicate and very important matter for Kosovo society “assessment of the current situation of shelters for victims of domestic violence and trafficking in human beings “.

Domestic violence is already a known problem for all, and almost always, women are the ones who experience this violence.

In order to prevent and fight domestic violence, has been drafted also related legislation and currently in Kosovo acts the Law on Protection from Domestic Violence as well the National strategy against domestic violence.
The moment that a woman takes the courage to denounce the violence used against her, from her husband or any other family member, the law provides her safety and protection. From this moment the victim must pass on some key links, which provides the protection system. Police, Centres for Social Work and Victim Advocates. All three of these mechanisms should function as best as possible to  protect victims of domestic violence and sent them to a shelter at the end.

In a ideal world we would not need these shelters because there would be no domestic violence. Unfortunately the world is not perfect, as there is no perfect human beings, and these shelters will serve as a key point in the protection mechanism of victims of domestic violence and as such need to be supported in any way.

In Kosovo, currently exists six shelters or safe houses for protection of the victims of violence and trafficking in human begins. But unfortunately these shelters are facing difficulties and sever financial situation. I am very aware of this.

Women, victims of domestic violence need support as well professional and adequate services.

This issue is very sensitive and requires full commitment by all involved actors.

Considering that, unfortunately, the number of victims is not small, this phenomenon must be fought in every form, initially from us as a society and then institutionally. Domestic violence is a concern for the entire society and as such, therefore we should treat very seriously.

Only by great work and commitment we can contribute at reducing this repugnant phenomenon that eventually needs to be eradicated from our society. We need to do our best to aware our society in general, that once and for ever the violence that is being exercised on women, needs to stop. They are mothers, sisters, daughters of someone.

They need to be treated with respect and dignity, and not be exercised violence of different form on them.

Once again all in the end, I want to congratulate Shelters that despite the difficult financial situation, have worked and cared for victims of violence with more dedication, wish them to not be discouraged and continue their work.

I promise that you will not be alone, you will have our institutional support.