Invisible Survivors: Strengthening Local Response to Violence Against LBT Women and Girls in Albania

Abstract

Because of institutional neglect, societal stigma, and strict gender norms, LBT women and girls in Albania experience exacerbated and frequently invisible forms of violence. Albania has ratified important national and international frameworks, such as the Istanbul Convention, CEDAW, and Law No. 10221 on Protection from Discrimination; however, local implementation is still disjointed, particularly in the context of Coordinated Referral Mechanisms (CRMs). Despite being essential to CRM's operation, gender equality workers and local coordinators against gender-based violence often lack the institutional support, protocols, and training necessary to effectively respond to LBT survivors. More than 70% of LGBTIQ+ people who use shelter services report having experienced violence or harassment, according to recent data, with transgender women being particularly vulnerable. Additionally, Roma women experience disproportionately high rates of violence (35% versus 20% among non-Roma), demonstrating the ways in which poverty, sexual orientation, and ethnicity combine to further marginalize Roma women. This paper emphasizes the necessity of integrating intersectional, trauma-informed, and rights-based approaches into regional GBV response systems, drawing on field practice and research. It looks at how tactics like capacity-building, community outreach, and tailored support planning can help municipal actors fulfill their moral and legal obligations. In addition to offering scalable models of inclusive service delivery that empower LBT survivors and enhance systemic resilience in GBV prevention, the presentation considers success factors, such as human rights-based shelter practices.