News

Written by: Erlida Mulaku

“Women and girls everywhere continue to be affected by this extreme form of gender-based violence, and no region is exempt.”

This is stated in the report "Femicide in 2023" published by UN Women, which highlights that attention to this issue may have been diminished in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

But how do the psychological consequences of this issue fade for female victims?

While physical violence continues to devastate women and girls worldwide, its psychological consequences are often overlooked or not addressed at all.

Psychologist Fiona Zeka states that victims of physical violence often suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is characterized by intrusive memories, flashbacks, hypervigilance, and emotional numbness. Other consequences, according to her, include anxiety and depression, substance abuse, impaired memory and concentration, as well as a negative self-image.

Meanwhile, according to Zana Hamiti Asllani, Director of the Center for the Protection of Women and Children, one of the main barriers faced by victims of physical violence when it comes to accessing psychological support is the decision to report the violence, which is the first and crucial step for them.

“This decision often makes victims question whether they acted correctly or wrongly, due to the difficulty of achieving financial independence if they wish to separate,” the director further explains.

Such violence, like physical abuse, not only has psychological consequences but is also accompanied by a crisis of identity, both cultural and gender-related.

According to sociologist Flakë Ymeri, the consequences of identity crises are that victims feel constantly belittled and submissive.

Physical violence impacts victims by leaving consequences on their social relationships as well.

“There may be consequences where the community or society distances itself if it chooses to remain silent and not report the violence, and the victim may feel inferior,” adds the sociologist.

However, one of the simplest ways to support these victims in overcoming the challenges of physical violence is by ensuring they are not prejudged or stigmatized by their family, society, or community.

“The support system, which includes family, friends, and the community, is crucial in helping victims overcome the psychological effects of violence. Social support is one of the most powerful protective factors against traumatic stress and a key element in the healing process,” says psychologist Zeka, adding that this system helps create a safe environment and reduces anxiety and fear.

“We are prone to always judge the victim as if she provoked the conflict. We only help when we accept the victims into society and extend our hands to assist them and report the violence,” says sociologist Ymeri.

According to the statistics of the Kosovo Police, from January to October of 2024, 2574 cases of domestic violence were reported. Of these, 2055 victims were female.

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This project is part of the UN Women initiative, “Addressing the Impacts of Gender-Based Violence in Kosovo and Empowering Survivors to Combat Stigma and Speak Openly,” supported by the British Embassy in Pristina.