In a media statement, Balla said that the State Police have a new approach to this phenomenon, adding that a part of the crime-derived assets seized and confiscated are being put at the disposal of non-governmental organizations, converting them into shelters for girls and women, survivors of general based violence.

“I want to let you know that we have a completely different protocol from the State Police regarding the handling of a complaint, in terms of domestic violence, gender-based violence, sexual violence,” said Balla.

“I urge every girl, every woman, every mother in this country to report cases of gender-based violence and I want to guarantee that not only the State Police, in terms of their part, but also other institutions – you saw it yesterday we have started a new approach regarding the properties seized and confiscated – we will try to put a part of these properties at the disposal of non-governmental organizations, which will be repurposed as shelters or houses for girls, abused women,” Minister of Interior said.

“State Police cannot win this battle alone. The State Police are on the frontline to respond to cases of gender-based violence, and naturally to bring the perpetrator to justice, but this is something that requires the involvement of entire society. The fight against gender-based violence is not addressed in the course of two weeks when all the associations of this country gather to raise awareness. I think that this phenomenon should be fought day to day and the media have a special role to play in sensitizing and uniting society against this outrageous phenomenon”, said Balla.

/r.e/sm/