OSCE Mission trains new Kosovo Police officers on prevention of domestic violence

On 21 October, the OSCE Mission in Kosovo concluded a series of five training workshops on the prevention and handling of domestic violence cases for 144 newly appointed Kosovo Police (KP) officers.

The workshops focused on the legal framework, including obligations and responsibilities arising from the Istanbul Convention. The definition of domestic violence, including forms of violence such as physical, psychological, sexual and economic, was elaborated, and participants were informed about inter-institutional mechanisms, division of tasks among various stakeholders, and services that should be provided to the victims. The officers were also trained on the duties, responsibilities, and priorities of the KP according to its standard operating procedures.

“It is important that police officers receive basic training on domestic violence, and also that they continue learning about how to respond professionally to domestic violence cases,” said Edward Anderson, Director of the OSCE Mission’s Department for Security and Public Safety. 

“Care of victims, preservation of evidence and professional investigation and follow-up can reduce the risk of further injury and suffering of victims. In these workshops with a focus on officers who recently joined the KP, we highlighted the most important aspects of handling such cases through concrete scenarios,” he added.

Police officers were also acquainted with the risk assessment process conducted by first responders and, in subsequent phases by domestic violence investigators and their supervisors. This process assesses the risks and the level of danger posed to the victim and others by the perpetrator. In addition, they discussed the need to limit interviewing of victims to specially trained officers to prevent re-victimization, and they were briefed about protection orders, including emergency protection orders that police can issue outside of regular office hours to ensure protection of victims.

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo is mandated with the protection and promotion of human and community rights, and with democratization and public safety sector development. It regularly supports Kosovo Police and other law enforcement agencies to further improve their capacities.