A meeting of the Interdisciplinary Technical Team of the Coordinated Referral Mechanism convened on 24th September 2025 in Shkodra, organized by “Woman to Woman” NGO in the framework of the SCPA Program Grants’ Scheme. The meeting aimed to address the challenges related to the treatment of cases of violence and the protection of vulnerable groups in the community.
This event was attended by representatives of the Coordinated Referral Mechanism member institutions such as the Local Education Office, the Regional Directorate of Health Services, the Local Police Directorate, the Regional Directorate of Employment Shkodra, the State Social Service, non-governmental organizations, the Vocational Training Center and the Local Coordinator at the Shkodra Municipality.
During the discussions, a number of challenges were identified, among which the most important were the lack of budget for social services, limited housing capacities for victims of violence, difficulties in implementing parent-child meetings and the lack of support for mental health. Concerns were also raised about bias in the preparation of risk assessment reports and judicial decisions that often undermine the victim protection process.
In conclusion, the participants emphasized the need for increased financial support, standardization of procedures at local and national levels, and strengthening cooperation between institutions. The recommendations emerging from this meeting are expected to contribute to improving the functioning of the Mechanism and providing more effective support to individuals and families in need.
