Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) was troubled to hear the news published today about the rape of a 13-year-old girl in Janjevo.
Despite the fact that children and women are the most affected by gender-based violence, and that serious cases of rape against girls have recently been made public, we are witnessing an institutional silence and mishandling of these cases by the judiciary.
KWN, continues to reiterate that such cases should serve as a wake-up call to be treat vioelnce against women and children with priority. The perpetrators of these crimes need to be punished to the fullest extent of the law.
It is a burden for society that girls experience such tragedies and the institutions continue to give low sentences, and don’t work to prevent these crimes. This case tells shines light on the chain of negligence thus far carried out in her case. Punitive measures should be taken for those who evicted her from her home and others who did nothing to prevent it.
Through this press release, KWN expresses its deep indignation at this crime, pledging at the same time that to raise its voice to seek justice for this victim and every other girl and woman raped,killed, or harmed in anyway.
KWN also urges the media to be extra careful in reporting the case, as we are dealing with a minor. The identity of the victim must be protected in all reporting, and at all costs – only then will the media play their part in combating violence against women and girls in Kosovo.
KWN will not stop until violence against girls and women is treated with the gravity and urgency it deserves.
Below you can find KWN’s latest research on violence against women and the institutional response to it:
