site.btaUPDATED PM on International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women: No Form of Violence Can Be Justified

On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov said in a video address published by the government's press service on Saturday, that no form of violence can be justified. 

He recalled that in 2023 more than 20 women were killed by men in Bulgaria. A total of 1,359 cases of domestic violence have been registered and these are only those for which information is available. 

According to Denkov, it is not just a women's issue. "It is a problem for anyone who feels weak and has the feeling that the stronger person has the ability to hurt them, even kill them," he said.

Denkov outlined the measures the cabinet has taken to combat domestic violence: the creation of a National Council for the Prevention and Protection from Domestic Violence, the establishment of a Domestic Violence Sector within the Ministry of Interior, the training of people working in this sector, and the increase in the number of crisis centres in the country. 

"The fight against violence against women is up to all of us: neighbours, relatives, colleagues. Every sign of violence must be addressed, every wound must be the last. These are our mothers, daughters, sisters, neighbours and colleagues. We will not allow them to live in aggression. Violence has no justification," Denkov concluded. 

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mariya Gabriel noted in a Facebook post the importance of outlining the future steps in the fight against violence against women, the good proposals and practices, as well as the challenges. 

The proposal to have a European directive for the fight against domestic violence and violence against women, as well as the Protection against Domestic Violence Act, are steps in that direction. With the amendments of the Protection against Domestic Violence Act, Bulgaria states its commitment to implement and finance special measures and programmes aimed at prevention and offering protection, help and support to domestic violence victims or people at risk, she said.