Neighboring municipalities strengthen co-operation on domestic violence response

Representatives from the municipalities of Tetovo, Dragash/Dragaš and Kukës met in Tetovo to strengthen co-operation and exchange practical experience on preventing and responding to domestic violence.

The inter-municipal dialogue, jointly supported by the OSCE Mission to Skopje, OSCE Mission in Kosovo and OSCE Presence in Albania, brought together municipal representatives, law enforcement, prosecutors, the judiciary, social services, shelters and civil society.

Participants discussed challenges in responding to domestic violence across different jurisdictions, shared good practices and explored practical ways to improve co-operation between the institutions responsible for protecting victims.

“Effective inter-jurisdictional co-operation is built when practitioners understand each other’s mandates and constraints, and when we develop practical pathways that enable victims to access protection across jurisdictions,” said Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje, Ambassador Kilian Wahl.

Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Ambassador Gerard McGurk, underscored the importance of strengthening partnerships to improve services and responses for those in need, particularly women and children. “The partnership between Dragash/Dragaš, Kukës and Tetovo demonstrates how joint efforts can lead to more effective prevention, stronger victim protection and improved accountability mechanisms in line with the Istanbul Convention,” he said.

Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, Ambassador Michel Tarran, highlighted how the initiative has grown from an exchange between two municipalities into a broader platform involving actors from three jurisdictions. “Administrative or jurisdictional boundaries should not become practical barriers to a victim’s access to protection, support and justice. This is why co-operation between municipalities and between local and justice-sector institutions is crucial,” he said.

The dialogue focused on practical solutions for stronger co-operation between municipal structures and the institutions involved in preventing domestic violence and protecting victims.

The three OSCE field operations remain committed to supporting this dialogue and helping translate the discussions into continued practical co-operation.