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“Ten cases of femicide have been registered in Armenia this year. Different NGOs dealing with domestic violence issues in Armenia have received over 5000 alert calls to their hotlines. According to the reports of the Armenian Police and the Investigative Committee they have received 1500 calls,” Coordinator of the “Coalition to Stop Violence against Women” Zaruhi Hovhannisyan noted during today’s press conference.

She stated these figures indicate that some issues are still observed in this sphere.

According to the advocate the adoption of the law on “Protection of Women’s Rights and prevention of Domestic Violence” will contribute to the settlement of the issue.

“The coalition has undertaken profound measures regarding the draft law and has submitted its observations. We still have not received any response to inform us whether our remarks will be involved in the bill or not,” Z. Hovhannisyan noted adding that currently the bill is in working stage.

Anna Hovhannisyan from “Sexual Assault Crisis Centre” said that different opinions came forward regarding the draft law. Some people claimed that the law can be a threat to the happiness of the Armenian family.

“The availability of such a law in case of a domestic violence is of paramount importance as it will provide mechanisms to protect and save women. Due to the new law the state and law enforcement bodies will be able to take measures. Even law enforcement agencies claim that they have no protection mechanisms. When you apply to police officers asking them to protect this or that person they state that no law on that issue is adopted. In case such a law is adopted people will be able to apply to the competent body and it cannot justify itself claiming that no mechanisms are available. In fact this a long lasting process. Breaking stereotypes will take years. State plays an important role in this respect. Gender education in kindergartens and schools are important as well,” she added.

Lida Minasyan, Executive Director of “Society without Violence” NGO, noted that it will be difficult to enforce the law, as in case of any other laws it requires organizing trainings for the workers of different spheres, raising awareness and providing financial resources to establish shelters.

Project Coordinator of Women Resources Center Anahit Simonyan added that adoption of the law is not enough, as a favorable environment must be created which will enable women to defend their rights.