Action needed on domestic violence against women

TIRANA, Dec 12 – There is noted a rise in domestic violence against women in Albania and that has raised concern among international institutions and also non-governmental organizations in the country.
Data also show a positive increase in women’s’ awareness of options to overcome family violence as more victims are pressing charges against their assailants.
Domestic violence has turned into a very serious problem in the country with growing numbers of reported cases and victims. The latest data from Albania’s Labor Ministry speak of some 2,000 reported cases of domestic violence registered in 2010, a significant increase compared to about 1,200 in 2009.
The NGOs call on women “Don’t keep quiet” and they have started a campaign to invite the public to discuss the phenomenon of domestic violence openly.
A law passed in 2006 defines which public institutions are competent in dealing with domestic violence and also grants local magistrates the power to put “protective and restrictive measures” into immediate action in favor of the victims and against the violators.
That doesn’t seem to be enough to stop such violence.
The country still has shortcomings in its application, like a shortage of police and court enforcement budgets not sufficient enough to put the new law into practice.