Reforms and challenges in healthcare response to domestic violence discussed

A meeting of the Council for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence was held at the initiative of Armenia’s Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, during which participants discussed ongoing reforms and existing challenges in the healthcare sector related to efforts to combat domestic and family violence.

According to the ministry, Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Tatevik Stepanyan stressed the importance of systematic and continuous work in the field, noting that the prevention of violence requires close cooperation among state institutions, local self-government bodies and civil society organizations.

She highlighted the importance of ensuring access to support services for victims of domestic violence and strengthening the capacities of frontline professionals.

Deputy Health Minister Armen Gasparyan, in turn, noted that domestic and family violence is not only a social and legal issue but also an important public health concern that can have serious consequences for a person’s physical and mental well-being.

He emphasized the role of healthcare workers in the early identification of victims of violence, the provision of necessary medical assistance and referrals to relevant support services.

The meeting also addressed issues related to medical and psychological support for victims of violence, as well as the training of healthcare professionals.

Participants discussed opportunities to improve access to services and expand cooperation among relevant stakeholders.

Members of the council presented their observations and put forward a number of proposals.

The meeting was also attended by Deputy Justice Minister Anna Karapetyan, Head of the Armenia Office of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Lusine Sargsyan, as well as representatives of state institutions, sectoral civil society organizations and international organizations.

The session of the Council for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence was organized by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs in cooperation with the United Nations Population Fund and with funding from the European Union under the programme “Promoting Human Rights Protection and Strengthening National Institutions.”