Since September 2025, the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), in cooperation with the Department for Social and Family Policies and the Professional Council for Social and Family Policies, has delivered a series of trainings on the curriculum “Working with Victims of Domestic Violence: Treatment and Referral”. The trainings have provided an important platform for social workers to deepen their understanding of domestic violence, violence against women and gender-based violence, while strengthening their capacities to support victims.

This work builds on more than a decade of support from International Partnership Austria, towards strengthening institutional responses to gender-based violence and improving support services for survivors in Kosovo.

Through the trainings, 161 social workers from over 30 municipalities across Kosovo have strengthened their knowledge of the legal framework related to different forms of violence and further clarified their roles and responsibilities as social service professionals. The trainings also have addressed victim-centred approaches, the protection of children exposed to violence and work with vulnerable groups, including Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian women, LGBTQ+ victims, migrants and persons with disabilities.

On 26 May, participating social workers were awarded certificates during a ceremony organised by KWN in cooperation with relevant institutions, with the participation of Minister Andin Hoti from the Ministry of Labour, Family and War Values.

Hoti highlighted the importance of the trainings in advancing efforts to improve social services across all municipalities and strengthen support for people in need. He also expressed appreciation to KWN and partner institutions for their commitment to the initiative.

Through these trainings, social workers across Kosovo are now better equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to identify, support and refer victims of violence, contributing to stronger protection and more effective support systems.

This activity was carried out within the framework of the project “Institutionalisation of Quality Rehabilitation and Reintegration Services for Survivors of Violence II”, supported by International Partnerships Austria.