site.btaSocial Policy Ministry to Propose Development of Specialized Services Network for Victims of Violence

The Social Policy Ministry will propose the development of a network of specialized services that will be accessible to all victims of violence, Deputy Social Policy Minister Maya Vassileva said on Thursday after she took part in a meeting at the Council of Ministers, where four ministries outlined measures against aggression and violence. “Shorter-term and more urgent measures have been identified by the ministry,” she added.

"It is necessary to have at least one such service in each Bulgarian region. These services could include different packages for prevention and support for victims of gender-based domestic violence, such as medical, legal, social and psychotherapeutic activities. Their creation should be included in the National Map of Social Services, which is currently being developed and will be ready by the end of 2023. Currently the support services for victims of violence are insufficient and not evenly distributed throughout the country,” Vassileva explained. 

She stressed the need to prepare a National Programme for the Prevention of Violence. 

She also pointed out that six specialized teams will be established in the six economic regions of the country to work in coordination on the implementation of the identified measures against violence. Awareness raising activities would also be undertaken, she noted.