From the Women's Human Rights Network - May 2006

 

Hot Topic - Violence against Women in the Family in Albania

Thousands of women in Albania are at risk of violence from their husbands or their intimate partners. On March 30, 2006, Amnesty International released a report, Albania: Violence against Women in the Family: "It's not her shame," addressing this pressing issue. In this report, Amnesty International identifies the barriers which prevent women in gaining access to justice, including the justification of violence as part of Albanian 'tradition'; the failure of law enforcement officers to respond appropriately to women seeking assistance, and the failure of the legal system to recognize violence against women in the family as a criminal offense. Amnesty International calls for women who have suffered violence to be able to enforce their rights to protection, reparation and redress.

In recommendations to the government of the Republic of Albania, the report calls for a coordinated response to violence against women in the family, an integrated multi-agency approach that includes not only law enforcement and judicial authorities, but also health care and education professionals who may assist in the prevention of such violence. Where prevention fails, law enforcement officials and prosecutors should record and monitor reported incidents, act to protect victims of violence, and respond promptly and effectively to allegations of, or threats of, violence against women. Prosecutors and judiciary should ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice. Women should have prompt access to judicial mechanisms affording protection, and to appropriate health care and shelters providing physical protection, medical assistance and psychological support

Recognizing the barriers that prevent women from seeking help from the authorities, and that legal measures must be accompanied by a grassroots campaign that informs and educates women and men about the right of women to live free from violence, Amnesty International recommends that the Albanian government also embark on a public campaign to challenge discriminatory "traditional attitudes" which condone such violence and to transfer the "shame" from women who are abused to the men who abuse them.

The cases of individual women who have suffered violence, and who agreed to be interviewed by Amnesty International, are featured in the report. Their courage deserves our recognition and the support of their government and the international community.

Read the full report. »

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