Gërvalla: The 2027–2031 strategy must include bold measures against violence

The Ministry of Justice held the first meeting of the Working Group tasked with drafting the National Strategy for Protection from Domestic Violence, Violence against Women and Gender-Based Violence for the 2027–2031 period.

The session was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and acting Minister of Justice Donika Gërvalla, who also serves as the National Coordinator for Protection from Domestic Violence, Violence against Women and Gender-Based Violence.

Gërvalla stressed that the new strategic document should focus on concrete problems and propose decisive action to prevent and address violence.

“For the 2027–2031 Strategy, we must be bold; we must address issues that seem difficult to us today,” she declared.

According to the acting minister, the consequences of violence are not limited to women but also affect children and families. For this reason, she called for a broader and more comprehensive approach to the phenomenon.

She also addressed the increase in reported cases of domestic violence, emphasizing that this figure does not necessarily mean that violence has increased. The rise may also be linked to awareness campaigns and the more active involvement of state institutions.

Gërvalla highlighted the contribution of civil society, organizations and individuals who, over the years, have insisted that institutions address this problem seriously.

The first meeting reviewed the findings of the analysis of the current strategy, along with the strategic and specific objectives intended to be reflected in the upcoming document.

The Working Group’s work will continue at subsequent meetings, with the aim of preparing the 2027–2031 National Strategy. The document is expected to strengthen policies and institutional mechanisms for preventing and addressing violence, as well as cooperation among institutions.