Starting today, electronic tracking bracelets are being introduced as a measure to fight domestic violence, with a focus on tracking offenders. Prime Minister Albin Kurti emphasized that the monitoring system will assist victims in fighting domestic violence more effectively than ever before.
The electronic surveillance system is designed to significantly reduce domestic violence incidents. Kurti explained that if a suspected abuser or perpetrator enters a designated area near the victim, both local and central police levels will be alerted, triggering standard intervention procedures.
During the presentation of the monitoring bracelets, which can be worn on the offender’s wrist or ankle, the Prime Minister stated, “This system will help us combat domestic violence like never before. If a perpetrator approaches the victim, both local and central police will be notified immediately, and intervention will follow. The biggest challenge we face is the non-compliance with protection orders. The issue is not the absence of monitoring systems but the disregard for protection orders. This will drastically reduce domestic violence.”
Justice Minister Albulena Haxhiu highlighted that this initiative is one of the most important projects to protect the lives and dignity of women and girls in Kosovo. She noted that low sentences and procedural leniency by the Prosecution are encouraging abusers, leading to more severe consequences, including murder.
“We have continuously stated that we will take every action to protect the lives of women and girls in Kosovo. This is one of the most important projects for their protection. Domestic violence is not a private matter; it is the responsibility of institutions, and we expect serious actions, especially from the Prosecutor’s Office and the Courts. Low sentences and lenient actions by the Prosecution are encouraging abusers, which turn them into murderers,” said Haxhiu.
The Minister of Internal Affairs, Xhelal Sveçla, emphasized that while the primary purpose of these devices is to prevent repeated domestic violence, they will also be used to prevent other criminal activities. “This is a success for the police and the entire justice system. The goal is to prevent the repetition of violence against women. The system will also be used for other criminal activities, but its primary role is in the prevention of domestic violence. An effective implementation of this system will bring a huge change in preventing this serious crime,” Sveçla stated.
The Director General of the Police, Gazmend Hoxha, pointed out that the police had an obligation to operationalize this system in accordance with the law on electronic monitoring. “Kosovo Police had an obligation under the law on electronic monitoring to establish a functional system for monitoring domestic violence cases. The government allocated a special budget for this project, and the police created a team to negotiate and design the project, which has now been completed,” Hoxha concluded.
