Gender-Based Violence in Kosovo During Covid-19 Pandemic

Merita Limani and Meli Limani
University of St. Cyril and Methodius, Skopje North Macedonia

Abstract

COVID-19 has exacerbated health inequalities around the world. Kosovo has so far experienced four waves of COVID-19 pandemics with a fatality rate of 2.6 registered deaths per 100 cases which is higher than some comparable countries in the region. Women have been disproportionally affected in many spheres of life including their safety and security at home. While domestic and gender-based violence has been one of the major concerns for women’s safety over the years, the COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the situation. Drawing on the intersectionality theory and using a mixed-method approach, this study yields three main findings. First, the institutional data on reported cases show that violence against women has increased drastically between 2010 to 2021. The number of reported cases during the COVID-19 follow similar trends to previous years. However, a decline was noted in 2020 when lockdown measures were in effect making it difficult for victims of violence to report cases because of isolation at home with perpetrators. Second, the COVID-19 institutional actions toward the pandemic have been a size fits all approach and did not address the specific needs of women as one of the most vulnerable groups of the population. Third, violence against women is treated within the domestic violence domain which does not address entirely the nature of the gender-based violence in the country.

Presentation