Pristina, July 23, 2025 –
In a deeply moving interview broadcast on Debat Plus, a woman who experienced conflict-related violence during the 1998–1999 war in Kosovo has shared her story publicly for the first time, offering a rare and powerful insight into the long-term impact such trauma can have on survivors and their families.
The woman, who was a teenager at the time of the war, said she was attacked while trying to help her sick mother seek medical care. Following the event, she became emotionally withdrawn, staying in a single room for long periods, supported only by her parents.
“My father blamed himself. He and my mother tried to comfort me, but I was overwhelmed,” she said.
For years, she confided in no one except her parents. “Not even my siblings know to this day what I went through,” she revealed.
Years later, she told her future husband before their engagement. Though he was initially understanding, she said the relationship deteriorated over time, leading to emotional abuse and, eventually, divorce.
Now living with her children, the woman says she still struggles with anxiety and fear—particularly the worry that, if her children learned about her past, it might affect their relationship.
“I’m afraid of being judged. I fear that if they ever found out, they wouldn’t see me the same way.”
Her story highlights the enduring emotional toll of wartime violence and the importance of continued societal support for survivors. Many advocacy organizations in Kosovo and beyond are working to ensure that those affected by conflict-related trauma are heard, protected, and empowered to share their stories without fear.
