site.btaStandards for Specialized Services for Victims of Domestic Violence First Time Introduced in Bulgaria

Specialized services and programmes for the protection, assistance and support of actual and potential victims of domestic violence will be provided according to standards set by the State. These were adopted by the Government on Wednesday, along with a number of other amendments to the Domestic Violence Protection Act (DVPA) Regulations made under changes to the Act itself from 2023.

The services include a national helpline for victims of domestic violence or those at risk; social, psychological and legal counselling and specialized programmes for recovery and/or protection in a counselling centre or sheltered accommodation; specialized programmes for overcoming aggression and dealing with anger for perpetrators of domestic violence. The standards regulate in great detail the procedure for their provision, the organisation of activities, the requirements for the teams. Particular attention is paid to work with children who are witnesses or victims of domestic violence.

The Regulations for the implementation of the DVPA also describe the methodology for carrying out a risk assessment by the court. Thus, for the first time, judicial authorities have a tool to identify and assess possible risks of further violence, escalation of violence or death in the future. This will support the process of making and handing down an appropriate judicial decision.