At least three instances of domestic violence or sex offenses per day were reported in Albania during 2019.
According to the General Prosecutor’s annual report, 2019 has seen an increase in cases of statutory rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassment.
158 cases of sex crimes have been reported during 2019, marking an increase from 113 cases in 2018. Sexual harassment suits were the most frequent (36%), with sex offenses against children coming at a close second (26%).
Out of the 158 cases, only 49, that is 31%, ended in a conviction. The number of convictions seems to have remained constant from 2018, when in only 35 out of 113 cases (30.9%) the perpetrator was convicted.
Domestic violence numbers remain a significant concern, with 1140 cases reported in 2019, a 5% decrease from 2018. The domestic violence conviction rate for 2019 was 69%, with 793 perpetrators convicted. 17 cases of murder in the family were also reported, with 13 people convicted.
Over 50% of Albanian women will face domestic violence at least once in their lives. 1/3 will experience it within a 12 month period. Mandatory lockdown during the coronavirus pandemic continues to place women isolated at home at increased risk of domestic violence.
