Executive Summary

The situation of Albanian women, and especially the incidence of domestic violence, has worsened in the last ten years, but there are still no reliable official statistics showing the precise trends. Domestic violence in Albania remains behind closed doors and is supported by the traditional and patriarchal attitude attendant to the Kanun (Code of customary laws used in the northern part of Albania). This report first, gather existing research analysing the extent, frequency and nature of the problem, identifying vulnerable groups of domestic violence, its causes and consequences, statistics, legal provisions, policies, programs, research and services. Violence occurs notwithstanding religion. Women with high education tend to be better empowered and prepared to encourage communication with their spouse, and therefore are less likely to suffer from domestic violence. Women who are unemployed and living in rural areas are more likely to be physically abused. Young women aged between 20-30 years old are more likely to experience physical and sexual abuse and see