On Feb.12, “Medica Kosova” organized the workshop “Trauma-based approach”, an event within the inventiveness “Using community-based and trauma-informed approach for improving access of additional survivors of war rape to their status recognition”, an initiative which is implemented in cooperation with Djepi i Buzëqeshjes organization.

Psychologist of Medica Kosova, Emirjeta Kumnova stressed that the purpose of this meeting is to build the capacities of civil society and local institutions in Gjakova and Deçan for a trauma-based approach during the process of verification and referral of sexual violence cases experienced during the wartime. She added that this matter should drag a special attention by police and judges who have direct access to cases of violence.

During the second part of the workshop the Verification Process and the Recognition of War Victim Status for the survivors of rape was addressed.

Lawyer Arbnore Shehu-Bunjaku, mentioned the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) contribution for recognizing the status of victims of sexual violence from the war. Furthermore, she stated that the process of applying for this status is accompanied by women’s fears, this because women are still being stigmatized by the society.

This initiative is supported by the Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF) of Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) and funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA).