On April 12, Armenia’s National Assembly achieved a significant milestone by approving a comprehensive set of amendments to the domestic violence law. This groundbreaking move not only represents the first major overhaul of the law since its adoption in 2017 but also marks a significant feminist achievement in the ongoing struggle for social justice.
The amendments, shepherded by Members of Parliament Zaruhi Batoyan, Sona Ghazaryan, and Tsovinar Vardanyan, were crafted with invaluable input from the Women’s Support Center NGO, Armenia’s leading domestic violence center.
Through extensive collaboration and advocacy efforts, the Center played a pivotal role in shaping the bill, presenting a comprehensive package of proposals to the authors, many of which were incorporated into the final legislation. This collaborative process highlights the power of grassroots activism and civil society engagement in effecting legislative change.
The amended domestic violence legislation presents a robust framework for addressing domestic abuse, offering enhanced protection and support to survivors. It includes comprehensive definitions of all forms of domestic violence, ensuring that every survivor’s experiences are accurately recognized and addressed. Under the new amendments, children who witness violence will also be recognized by the law as victims, marking a crucial step in addressing the full scope of the impact of domestic violence on families.
Furthermore, there is a notable emphasis on inclusivity: irrespective of marital status or sexual orientation, all individuals impacted by domestic violence, whether in marital unions or dating partnerships, are now recognized under the law as victims. Additionally, there is a dedicated commitment to accessibility, with provisions for shelters specifically designed for women with disabilities, guaranteeing that no survivor is overlooked.
In addition to offering greater protection to survivors, the amendments also introduce stricter sanctions for perpetrators of domestic violence, encompassing more stringent penalties and the criminalization of stalking. It is noteworthy that the law no longer includes provisions for police reconciliation, which supports eliminating the practice whereby law enforcement attempt to persuade victims to remain with their perpetrators. This underscores the seriousness with which domestic violence is addressed under the new legislation.
While the amended law signifies a positive step forward in combating domestic violence, significant challenges persist. Two key issues demand heightened attention: the revision of the law’s title to incorporate the term “household violence” alongside domestic violence, a change that risks undermining its efficacy, and Armenia’s lingering failure to ratify the Istanbul Convention. Despite having signed the Convention in 2017, the country’s political agenda has yet to prioritize its ratification, primarily due to a misinformation campaign and resistance from ultranationalist quarters. This ongoing impasse continues to impede Armenia’s strides in addressing violence against women and advancing gender equality.
Written by
Ani Jilozian, Director of Development at Women’s Support Center NGO1
Further readings:
- https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/04/18/armenia-strengthens-domestic-violence-law
- https://armenianweekly.com/2024/04/16/armenias-domestic-violence-law-is-dramatically-improved/
- https://www.civilnet.am/en/news/784081/advocates-welcome-landmark-overhaul-of-armenias-domestic-violence-law/
