site.btaUNICEF Bulgaria Issues Position in Support of Children, Families Victims of Violence

In a press release published on Monday, UNICEF Bulgaria joined the public and political response to the cases of violence in recent weeks by expressing its support for the victims and calling for zero tolerance to violence in society.

Violence against women and children has been recognized as a global challenge related to human rights and public health, which impacts negatively gender equality and the public economic interest, the press release said. Multiple studies have shown the correlation between gender-based violence, domestic violence, abuse of children and violence between intimate partners, with the focus being the effect on future generations, i.e. the continuous cycle of this phenomenon. The studies show that it is difficult and even impossible to prevent a given form of violence (such as child neglect or abuse), when another form of violence is present (such as violence between intimate partners).

Tackling the problem of domestic violence requires not only a change in public attitudes towards violence and girls' and women's rights as a whole, but also calls for effective legislation, policies, prevention measures and support for the victims. UNICEF calls for investing in specialized interventions and integrated services, aimed at general risk factors between violence against children and violence against women and for impacting the various forms of violence.

UNICEF has supported the development of Zona ZaKrila, child advocacy and support centres. Zona ZaKrila provides a safe space where children and parents can receive comprehensive and free support in one place from competent and well-trained psychologists, social workers and lawyers. The teams work in cooperation with the child protection departments, education system, police, prosecution and justice system, while facilitating the efforts of all institutions in the best interest of the child. The model is an innovative service, created in 2016 with UNCEF's support and in partnership with the Government and the municipalities of Sofia, Shumen and Montana, among others.