Family Violence and the Criminal Justice System

Abstract

Family violence is becoming a very widespread phenomenon in Albania and the state is taking no preventive measures against such a phenomenon. The Declaration against violence; The Albanian context; The family violence as a criminal offence; Analysis related to family violence court judgments; Conclusions on family violence and Reactions of public authorities. Family violence is prevailing in Albania; yet, police officers, prosecutors, judges and lawyers have not been properly sensitized and trained on family violence issues. No sufficient evidence is being gathered in support of the victims and no psychological support is being given to violated women; furthermore, the extent of punishments is very small and they fail to consider the previous incidents and the continuity of family violence. In most of the cases family violence criminal proceeding depends entirely on women reports, which practically negates the possibility of a fair trial. The methodology, the theoretical and practical methods, the interview methods employed.

DOI: 10.5901/ajis.2013.v2n3p291