On 16 February 2023, the Council of Europe project "Reinforcing the fight against violence against women and domestic violence in Kosovo* – phase III" organised the conference “Breaking the cycle of violence - programmes for perpetrators of domestic violence”. The conference was opened by Frank Power, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Pristina highlighting that “programmes for perpetrators of domestic violence should form part of a multi-agency approach involving all relevant institutions, including NGOs”. Albulena Haxhiu, Minister of Justice emphasised “It is essential that the handling of violence against women and domestic violence cases is done with the highest priority by the justice system, by holding the perpetrators accountable and giving adequate sentences. Programmes that teach perpetrators to adopt non-violent behaviour and change violent patterns should be an integral part of the sentence.” The keynote speakers included Caterina Bolognese, Head of Gender Equality Division of the Council of Europe who reminded that “Under Article 16 of the Istanbul Convention, parties are required to set up or support programmes that prevent perpetrators of domestic violence and of sexual violence from re-offending and support them in changing violent behavioural patterns, making the safety of, the support for and the human rights of victims a primary concern”, and Nicole Farnsworth, Programme Director at Kosova Women’s Network who mentioned the importance for judges to understand that perpetrator programmes cannot be considered as an alternative to justice or criminal proceedings.

The main objectives of the conference were to initiate the dialogue among stakeholders into taking action in setting up programmes for perpetrators of domestic violence, providing a holistic response to violence against women and domestic violence, and identifying concrete measures and steps to be undertaken in the short and long term in setting up sustainable perpetrators programmes.

The event was attended by more than 80 participants, representatives of international organisations, local institutions and NGOs working in the area of violence against women and domestic violence. Vivid and fruitful discussion took place in two panels composed of international and local experts and main stakeholders and representatives of local authorities of the field: the expert panel “Good practices and know-how on setting up and running perpetrators programmes” and the panel “Practicalities of setting up programmes for perpetrators of domestic violence – where to start and where to head?”.

The Council of Europe remains committed to supporting the authorities in setting up programmes for perpetrators of domestic violence, in line with Article 16 of the Council of Europe Istanbul Convention.

* All reference to Kosovo, whether to the territory, institutions or population, shall be understood in full compliance with United Nations Security Council resolution 1244 and without prejudice to the status of Kosovo.