The project which will span a period of two years, 2008 – 2009, aims at supporting the effective implementation of the Law Against Domestic Violence in Albania, which entered into force on June 1st, 2007, as well as of the National Strategy and Action Plan against Domestic Violence, in combating violence against women. The core initiative of the project is piloting the development and implementation of integrated and sustainable referral systems for women victims of violence at the local level in five districts: Rrëshen, Shkodër, Vlorë, Berat, Pogradec.

These referral systems will be achieved, in part, through the establishment of Councils against Domestic Violence in the five districts. The Councils will set an example of how a cross-section of local stakeholders, including all responsible authorities as described in the law, NGOs, community organizations and leaders, media and school authorities, based on an increased awareness of the available legal remedies, can come together to enable a coordinated response to prevent and combat violence against women, informed by the perspectives and voices of women, especially of the victims of such violence.

The work in the Councils Against Domestic Violence will also spearhead an effort to address the lack of data gathering and reporting on domestic violence through a well-structured monitoring campaign. The overall results will inform advocacy activities which, in close coordination with all other initiatives against domestic violence under way in Albania, will strive towards increased understanding about the issue, greater visibility, wider involvement of societal groups, and prompt adoption of recommendations for effective and sustainable strategies and action plans on combating domestic violence.

'Making It Real: Implementing the Law against Domestic Violence in Albania' builds upon over 15 years of efforts with particular focus on combating violence against women in Albania spearheaded by NGOs including notably the members of the Network Against Gender-Based Violence and Trafficking who will be implementing the project in partnership with the Children’s Human Rights Centre of Albania (CRCA).

The Network, established in 1998, includes besides Refleksione, the Counseling Centre for Women and Girls, the Centre for Legal Civic Initiatives, the Gender Alliance for Development Center, and the Shelter for Women and Girls.

Published in: Making it Real: Implementing the Law against Domestic Violence in Albania, Refleksione.