On 19 May, the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo completed the last in a series of three training sessions for 70 Kosovo Police investigators, victim advocates, forensic doctors, judges, and prosecutors on the implementation of the Protocol for the Treatment of Sexual Violence Cases.

The training sessions focused on the content and purpose of the Protocol, the need for a victim-centred approach, and the importance of an effective and coordinated multi-sectoral approach when dealing with sexual violence cases.

Throughout the training sessions, the participants had the opportunity to discuss and work in groups where they shared professional experiences, challenges, and concerns in dealing with these sensitive cases. Among other issues, it was stressed that inter-institutional communication should be strengthened and that societal prejudice against survivors of sexual violence should end.

In the upcoming months, the Mission together with the Kosovo Academy of Justice and the Kosovo Police Training Unit, will develop a standardized curriculum for officials who deal with sexual violence cases.