RED International's partner in Kosovo is Operacioni i Mekembjes (Operation Restoration). They are the only organisation providing long-term support to victims of domestic violence and trafficking, as well as combating the conditions which lead individuals to become victims or aggressors through education and training programmes for vulnerable young people. Through an individualised programme of psychotherapy, emotional therapy and vocational skills training, more than 70 women and young peop
68% of Kosovar women claim to have experienced domestic violence. From a country of only 2 million, police document over 1000 cases every year though it's widely recognised to be under-reported. Human-trafficking and teenage prostitution are rife. The shame and secrecy surrounding abuse make it extremely hard for women and girls to leave abusive situations. There is also a need for preventative action to stop children who have experienced violence becoming victims or abusers themselves.
The first part of the project supports women and girls through every step from the most broken point in their lives to becoming independent and flourishing members of society. The goal is that participants will be able to fully support themselves and their children. Our partner does this through psychotherapy and counselling, self-support groups, literacy and numeracy, vocational skills and business training and a full programme for the children of survivors.
The sad reality is that victims of abuse and their children normally continue to be victims or become aggressors in the future. Without full rehabilitation this cycle continues generation after generation, wrecking families and destabilising society. RED International's partner, O.Mekembjes is breaking this cycle in the lives of over 70 individuals and their families, and restoring the next generation's hope for a better future.
