Prime Minister Albin Kurti announced on Friday evening that he has appointed Justice Minister Donika Gërvalla-Schwarz as the National Coordinator for Protection from Domestic Violence, Violence Against Women, and Gender-Based Violence.
According to Kurti, the appointment strengthens the institutional commitment to preventing and addressing violence as an issue of human security and fundamental rights.
In a Facebook statement, Kurti said Kosovo’s institutions are continuously working to eliminate violence against women and girls.
“We are treating violence against women as a shared institutional and societal responsibility. Through intersectoral cooperation and a strengthened institutional chain, we have implemented the National Strategy for Protection from Domestic Violence and Violence Against Women (2022–2026), with more than 94% of activities already implemented or underway,” Kurti said.
He added that the government has taken several measures in recent years, including financial support for shelters and licensed organizations providing social and family services. Between 2021 and 2025, around €7.3 million was allocated to strengthen their capacities and improve support for victims.
Kurti also noted that Kosovo has launched the State Protocol for the Treatment of Sexual Violence Cases, setting clear institutional standards for response and ensuring dignified treatment of victims.
At the same time, access to justice has been expanded by providing free legal aid for victims of domestic and gender-based violence, regardless of their socio-economic status. The government has also adopted the Law on Compensation for Victims of Crime to support victims in dealing with the consequences of criminal acts.
Kurti said the legal framework has also been strengthened, noting that violence against women is now defined as a criminal offense in the Criminal Code. Additional penalties have been introduced for those convicted of domestic violence and sexual assault, along with priority for the investigation and prosecution of such cases.
He added that reforms have also begun in Social Work Centers, while new modules have been created in the national database to ensure unified reporting of domestic violence cases.
Kurti expressed confidence that with Gërvalla in the role of national coordinator, Kosovo will continue strengthening mechanisms to protect women and girls from all forms of violence.
“The work to address domestic violence and violence against women and girls does not stop. The Government of the Republic of Kosovo remains committed to strengthening prevention, protection, and justice for all women and girls,” Kurti said.
