“I used to be Anahit before my 30-years’ husband killed me with a piece of concrete and a wooden stick after a regular violent quarrel.”

“I was Maro. I was 20. I am said to perform a suicide with the belt of my robe, while there were only fingerprints on my neck”.

The above mentioned and some other similar incidents were presented on December 3 in Charles Aznavour square by ''Society without Violence'' NGO. The action was organized in the frames of 16 days of activism against gender-based violence and it was entitled ''Domestic violence as a ground for a strong family''. Three out of the four presented cases are dealt by the Rapid Response Unit established by the organization the mission of which is to find out the cases of domestic violence in our society, give them public coverage and to pursue transparent and fair investigation.

The aim of the action was to aware public about domestic violence and to raise the issue whether this is a national value and a concept that should be kept within family walls.

“Don't be indifferent. Your indifference may cost a life”.

“How more cases of domestic violence might be declared as suicides?”

“The first step to stop domestic violence is to speak out!”

The participants were holding posters with above-mentioned statements. The organizers were stating that domestic violence is a serious issue in Armenia. According to different statistical data, “69% of Armenian women are subjected to domestic violence”, and “61% suffers from domineering attitude of the partner”.

Taking into account the light verdict of Mariam Gevorgyan's case on domestic violence, Society Without Violence addressed this case as well. The organizers presented Mariam's tragic case with photos and posters. There was also a poster with a statement « Society will not forgive the one, who was forgiven by the Court (subjected to amnesty).''

In addition the organizers stated that the verdicts on similar aces would be more precise and fair if Armenia had a Law on domestic Violence. Thus, the adoption of domestic violence law in our country became imperative.

Many of the passengers agreed that domestic violence is a serious problem and can be fought only if it is accepted as a problem.

"Society without Violence'' NGO