A demonstration against domestic violence took place in front of the Court House in Sofia. It is on the occasion of March 8 and is dedicated to women who lost their lives in 2020 due to domestic violence.
The organizers are the non-governmental organization “Ame” for the Protection of Women’s Rights. They released 19 black balloons into the sky, symbolizing the women who died last year.
There are no official statistics from the state, and there are no centers for victims of violence to visit. However, these cases have been found to be increasing, especially in the context of the COVID pandemic. According to the foundation, in 2020 alone, 30 women became victims of domestic violence.
Due to the increase in cases during the pandemic, the Ministry of Justice proposed changes to the Law on Protection from Domestic Violence. Among them is a ban on the perpetrator possessing a weapon, as well as making any contact with the victim.
A National Register of Cases is also planned. Demonstrators called on authorities to implement the changes more quickly.
For the fifth year in a row, there will be a march on women’s rights tonight. It will start at 18:00 and will start from the capital’s Independence Square.
