For women who have experienced domestic violence, the challenges often continue even after they report the abuse and leave the abusive relationship. In addition to securing their safety, they may face significant legal issues, including divorce, child custody arrangements, and maintaining contact with their children. These challenges can become even more complex when cases involve more than one jurisdiction. 

One such case was handled by the Center for Legal Aid at the Kosovo Law Institute (CLA-KLI), which provided legal assistance to a survivor of physical and psychological domestic violence. After reporting the abuse, she lost contact with her child and was unable to see or communicate with the child for approximately a year. In 2025, she turned to the KLI for legal assistance. 

After taking on the case, CLA-KLI assessed the survivor’s legal needs and took concrete steps to help her re-establish contact with her child. KLI prepared and submitted a request to the Centre for Social Work to facilitate contact between the mother and child. Through ongoing communication and coordination with the relevant institution, CLA-KLI helped the survivor follow up on her request and address the obstacles preventing her from seeing and communicating with her child. As a result, she was able to resume contact with her child after approximately a year without contact. 

CLA-KLI’s assistance extended beyond helping her re-establish contact with her child. The Centre continued to provide legal assistance throughout the divorce proceedings, preparing the necessary legal submissions and guiding the survivor through the required procedural steps. CLA-KLI also helped secure legal representation for her through the appointment of a lawyer. During the proceedings, a counterclaim was prepared, and the necessary steps were taken to protect her interests until the case was concluded. The divorce was finalised by a court decision. 

For the survivor, this support helped address two issues that were central to her life after experiencing domestic violence: re-establishing contact with her child and obtaining a divorce. The legal assistance meant she did not have to face the procedures and institutions alone. Instead, she received support with submitting requests, preparing documentation, and following the relevant procedures. 

This case highlights the importance of accessible, ongoing legal assistance for women who have experienced violence. Support from civil society organizations can be essential not only in addressing the immediate effects of violence but also in helping survivors deal with its longer-term consequences. Through legal assistance, representation, and cooperation with institutions, CLA-KLI helped the survivor re-establish contact with her child and obtain a divorce, enabling her to exercise her rights more effectively. 

This activity was carried out through a close partnership between the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) and the Kosovo Law Institute (KLI), with support from the East West Management Institute (EWMI).