In the fight against domestic violence, it is important for citizens to respond with a sense of responsibility - Arpine Sargsyan

Deputy Minister of Justice Arpine Sargsyan delivered an opening speech at the meeting recapping the results of the project "The Path towards Armenia's Ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence".

Deputy Minister Sargsyan stated that the Council of Europe is one of the sustainable and constructive partners of the Government within the framework of the fight against domestic violence. Sargsyan noted that the work of the Government in this sector is based on three pillars — legislation, capacity-building and awareness-raising.

The Deputy Minister attached special importance to the activities completed with respect to awareness-raising as she presented the content and results of the "Violence in Silence" campaign implemented within the framework of the project. Experiments to find out people’s attitudes towards domestic violence were conducted as part of the campaign. The website www.violenceinsilence.org was launched, presenting the information that victims and witnesses of domestic violence need, and video clips and posters urging people to not keep silent and seek help in case of being subjected to or witnessing violence, were released.

Sargsyan reaffirmed the willingness of the Government to continue the effective co-operation and to truly make good progress in this sector step-by-step. Head of the Council of Europe Office in Yerevan Martina Schmidt also expressed her gratitude for the effective co-operation and expressed her willingness to continue to combine efforts in the fight against domestic violence.