Stigmatization of Persons with Mental Disorders who have Committed Criminal Offenses: Challenges for the Criminal Justice System in Kosovo

Stigma against people with mental disorders remains a major challenge in protecting their rights, particularly when they are involved in the criminal justice system. They are often perceived as dangerous, which influences institutional responses and limits opportunities for rehabilitation and social reintegration. This study employed a qualitative research approach based on semi-structured interviews with 17 professionals, including psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, judges, prosecutors, lawyers, and correctional institution officials. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, and the data were analyzed to identify key themes related to stigma and the treatment of people with mental disorders who have committed criminal offences. The findings indicate that stigma persists at both societal and institutional levels. Participants reported that misconceptions about dangerousness continue to influence criminal justice practices and hinder rehabilitation efforts. The study also identified limited inter-institutional cooperation, insufficient professional capacities, and the lack of specialized rehabilitation programs as significant barriers to effective treatment and reintegration. The study concludes that reducing stigma requires more than legal reforms. Strengthening inter-institutional cooperation, improving professional capacities, and promoting rehabilitation-oriented approaches are essential for protecting the rights and dignity of people with mental disorders and fostering a more inclusive and effective criminal justice system.