Prevention of and Protection against Domestic Violence

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Published: July 17, 2026

Our event, ‘Prevention of Domestic Violence and Protection of Women and Children’, held on 15–16 July 2026 in Yerevan, was part of a series of advisory and training initiatives designed to support the Office of the Human Rights Defender. The aim was to strengthen professional expertise in dealing with domestic violence and to convey current international standards on the topics of prevention, victim protection and the legal framework.

The interdisciplinary group of participants – comprising staff from the Office of the Human Rights Defender, representatives of state authorities from Yerevan and the regions, primary care professionals, police officers, local authorities, non-governmental organisations, parents’ associations and ministries – provided an excellent basis for cross-sectoral professional exchange and sustainable networking.

Following the opening address by Anahit Manasyan, Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia, the first day of the event focused in particular on societal stereotypes regarding women’s and children’s rights, the definition and dynamics of domestic violence, and prevention strategies. Expert presentations by lawyer Wiebke Wildvang and Anne Thiemann, a qualified social pedagogue and education officer, were complemented by interactive discussion sessions in which participants were able to share experiences from their professional practice.

The second day of the event was devoted to practical training on mechanisms for preventing domestic violence, as well as on supporting and protecting those affected. Key topics included the early detection of violence, options for action available to professionals in the healthcare sector, the police and local authorities, inter-agency cooperation, work with perpetrators, and compensation mechanisms. Using case studies, specific intervention options were discussed and solutions developed jointly.