The Week for the Protection of Victims of Crime (16–22 February 2026) is a nationwide awareness-raising and coordination initiative in Albania, led by the Ministry of Justice, aimed at promoting victims’ rights, strengthening access to justice, and enhancing inter-institutional cooperation for the protection of victims of crime.
Vatra Centre is one of the Ministry of Justice’s key partners in the implementation of this national campaign, contributing through awareness-raising activities, capacity-building initiatives, inter-institutional coordination, and survivor-centered interventions at both national and local levels.
Within the framework of the Week for the Protection of Victims of Crime, Vatra undertook the following activities:
- Information Stand near the Ministry of Justice (Tirana)
- Participated alongside other civil society organizations at the official opening.
- Informed the public about legal rights of victims of crime and importance of reporting violence.
- Within the framework of this initiative, Vatra developed an informational brochure on the rights of victims of criminal offenses, which was made available to partner institutions, survivors of crime, and the general public
- Coordination Meeting – Vlora
- Organized in cooperation with the Free Legal Aid Service Center of Vlora.
- Strengthened inter-institutional coordination, exchanged good practices, and identified local-level challenges.
- Participants included representatives from police, judiciary, municipality, social services, and health care.
- Focused on gender-based violence, domestic violence, other crimes against victims, barriers to effective case follow-up, and capacity-building needs.
- Focus Group with Survivors
- Facilitated discussions with women and girls who are survivors of trafficking and gender-based violence.
- Gathered first-hand insights on survivors’ needs and challenges.
- Discussed protective measures and support services; survivors contributed to identifying good practices and survivor-informed approaches.
- Emotional Expression Session for Trafficking Survivors
- Led by Vatra’s psychologist for survivors residing in the shelter.
- Used art and painting for reflection and healing.
- Provided a safe space for emotional expression, supported trauma processing, and promoted personal empowerment.
Adresa: lagjia: “Isa Boletini”, rr: “Nermin Vlora Falaski”, pallati nr. 13, Shk I, kati 3, Vlorë, Albania.
Tel & fax: +35533 224078/ 228048, e-mail: info@qendravatra.org.al, website: www.qendravatra.org.al