Attack on 12-year-old from Mitrovica, KOMF calls for immediate institutional response

The Coalition of NGOs for the Protection of Children – KOMF has reacted with great concern following the publication in the media of footage showing an 18-year-old physically attacking a 12-year-old girl.

In a statement on social media, the coalition emphasized that violence against children cannot be considered merely an isolated incident.

“This is not only an act of violence against a child, but also an open display of violence that was filmed,” KOMF said.

According to KOMF, the distribution and exposure of such videos could worsen the victim’s condition by exposing her to stigmatization and trauma.

The coalition called on institutions to immediately activate local child-protection mechanisms, including Centers for Social Work and psychosocial services, with the aim of protecting and rehabilitating the girl.

KOMF also called on law-enforcement and justice institutions to take immediate measures against the persons involved, in accordance with the legislation in force.

Another of the coalition’s demands is the “strengthening of services and programs to prevent violence.” In this regard, KOMF stressed the need for education in schools, mental-health support for children and young people, and programs that promote respect, tolerance and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.

KOMF has repeatedly raised concerns about weaknesses in the child-protection system in preventing and identifying violence in a timely manner and protecting children from it.

According to the coalition, the scale of the phenomenon requires a greater focus on prevention and education. This includes empowering parents to raise and discipline children without using violence, education in schools and early intervention in response to risky behaviors.