New project launched to support victims of domestic violence in Azerbaijan

On 29 March, a new EU-funded project supporting state institutions to ensure better support and safety to victims of domestic violence was launched in Azerbaijan. A team of experts from Lithuania and Austria will work to improve legislation, referral mechanisms and services to victims, to be in line with the best European practices.

The project will focus on enhancing the legal status of Monitoring Groups on Gender Based Violence and Violence Against Children, the legal environment for further criminalisation of domestic violence, development of a mechanism on legal and psychological assistance for victims of domestic violence, and rehabilitation programme for perpetrators. In addition, police officers, judges, and social workers will be invited to participate in trainings on domestic violence indicators, risk assessment criteria and other subjects.

Within the framework of the project, a network of journalists and social-media influencers will also be invited to develop awareness raising campaigns in order to increase knowledge and understanding about domestic violence and contribute to preventive measures in this field.

Since the adoption of the Law on Prevention of Domestic Violence by Azerbaijan in 2010, the European Union has been assisting the Azerbaijani government to adapt to contemporary international standards and practices and to increase the effectiveness of measures taken to prevent domestic violence.

Find out more

Press release

Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention)