Domestic violence in Bulgaria
Domestic violence is a grave issue in Bulgaria, and the COVID-19 lockdown has exacerbated the situation.
During the pandemic, cases of domestic violence against women surged worldwide as lockdowns confined people to their homes, often trapping victims with their abusers.
In some European countries, incidents of domestic violence rose by a third, prompting urgent calls for action.
Bulgaria, unfortunately, experienced an increase in domestic violence cases during the first half of 2021 compared to previous years.
Disturbingly, eight women were killed by their partners since the start of the state of emergency on March 13, and hotlines for reporting violence and seeking assistance received a significantly higher number of calls.
Despite this alarming trend, the country faces challenges in addressing the issue effectively.
Here are some key observations and recommendations:
- Insufficient Shelters: The number and capacity of shelters in Bulgaria remain small. Victims need safe spaces, and declaring shelters as essential services is crucial
- Data Collection: Bulgaria lacks a systematic mechanism for collecting statistical data related to violence against women, femicide, or gender-related killings. Establishing a specific body to collect administrative data on intimate partner femicide and family-related femicide is essential.
- Marital Rape: The problem of marital rape remains unaddressed. Explicitly including provisions related to marital rape in the Criminal Code is necessary.
- Legal Remedies: Combatting domestic violence doesn’t always require contacting the police. Civil and family courts offer remedies that can provide protection without resorting to criminal proceedings1.
Remember that domestic abuse affects not only immediate spouses or partners but also other family members and household members. If you’re suffering from abuse or harassment, seek help—there are resources available to support you during these difficult times.
Domestic abuse concerns itself not only with your immediate spouse or partner, but also wider members of your family and household.
If you are suffering abuse or harassment from someone who is not your partner or spouse, there are remedies available.
…. the signs of domestic violence:
- Physical abuse, such as hitting, kicking, or shoving
- Sexual abuse, such as forced sex or unwanted touching
- Emotional abuse, such as name-calling, insults, or threats
- Financial abuse, such as controlling your finances or preventing you from working
If you are experiencing any of these signs, it is important to get help.
Legal protection in domestic violence
Domestic violence can occur in a number of different ways. It can be physical or sexual abuse, but it can also be emotional, psychological or economic abuse, and some people have been exposed to it for so long that they do not even recognise it as abuse. Domestic violence can be perpetrated by both men and women.
The act of domestic violence is a type of illegal act and its consequences may have a different nature.
What is domestic violence ?
A domestic violence situation may lead to one or both parties seeking an intervention order.
These orders can become important in family law matters including parenting and property proceedings.
In some cases, where there have been findings made by a Magistrate in a contested intervention order proceeding, one or both parties may be prevented from re-agitating those issues in the Family Law Courts unless there is different or new evidence which might affect the initial findings.
If you are experiencing domestic violence in your relationship, there any many community organisations you can contact for help. Armstrong Legal provides a no-obligation initial appointment that is confidential.
Our family lawyers are sensitive to the issues surrounding domestic violence and assist victims of domestic violence, both male and female, on a regular basis.
We also have a team of criminal lawyers that can assist if required in respect of any intervention order proceedings.
A domestic violence situation may lead to one or both parties seeking an Order.
The orders should be delivered by police office.
These orders can become very important in family law matters including parenting and property proceedings. Our lawyers support drafting a claims for domestic violence.
Domestic Violence Protection Orders: What You Need to Know
Domestic violence protection orders (DVPOs) are court orders that can help to protect victims of domestic violence.
DVPOs can include a variety of provisions, such as prohibiting the abuser from contacting the victim, coming near the victim, or possessing firearms.
Here are some of the most common provisions of domestic violence in Bulgaria:
- Removal of the abuser from the home. This provision can help to protect the victim from further abuse.
- Prohibition of contact between the abuser and the victim. This provision can help to prevent the abuser from harassing or stalking the victim.
- Restrictions on the abuser’s travel. This provision can help to prevent the abuser from coming near the victim’s home, workplace, or other places where the victim frequents.
- Orders for the abuser to attend counseling or anger management classes. These orders can help to address the abuser’s underlying issues and prevent future violence.
- Orders for the abuser to pay child support or alimony. These orders can help to ensure that the victim and any children are financially supported.
If you are a victim of domestic violence, you may be eligible for a DVPO.
To obtain a DVPO, you will need to file a petition with the court.
The petition will need to include information about the abuse you have experienced, such as the type of abuse, the frequency of the abuse, and the names of any witnesses.
The court will review your petition and hold a hearing.
At the hearing, you will have the opportunity to testify about the abuse you have experienced. The abuser will also have the opportunity to testify.
If the court finds that you have been a victim of domestic violence, it will issue a DVPO.
The DVPO will be in effect for a specified period of time, such as one year.
The abuser will be required to obey the terms of the DVPO.
If the abuser violates the DVPO, you can file a contempt of court action.
If the abuser is found in contempt of court, they could be fined or imprisoned.
DVPOs can provide valuable protection to victims of domestic violence.
If you are a victim of domestic violence, I encourage you to contact the court to see if you are eligible for a DVPO.
If you have any questions related to domestic abuse, we want to hear from you.
Call our law office at + 359 897 90 43 91, confidential consultation with a Bulgarian domestic violence lawyer or contact us online.
