site.btaDomestic Violence Awareness Campaign Reports Significant Growth in "Help Me" App Usage, Partnerships

More than 300 women, 100 young volunteers, and over 100 partner organizations took part in the Rada Says No national anti-domestic violence project, project manager Maria Koleva said at a press conference here Thursday.

The campaign's symbol, the Rada doll, carries a QR code linking to the "Help Me" mobile app, which provides emergency contacts, free legal aid information, and access to local support organizations. App users increased by 81%, while usage grew by 45%, Koleva stated. Project achievements include the distribution of 40,000 information materials, the establishment of 100 national partnerships, youth forums in schools and universities, five professional awareness videos, and a national roundtable on domestic violence prevention held in 2025 under the patronage of Justice Minister Georgi Georgiev.

The initiative also developed social media channels, the "I Am Rada" website, and the "Rada Speaks" podcast to support people seeking help. A study conducted by HALO Foundation in 11 regions found increased institutional awareness, particularly within law enforcement and prosecution services, where protection order procedures have become faster and domestic violence is increasingly treated as a public safety issue. "Rada is now present almost everywhere in Bulgaria," said Diana Ivanova of Zonta International, emphasizing the organization's commitment to helping women take the first step toward safety and support.

However, economic dependence remains the greatest challenge for survivors, HALO Foundation chair Kristina Yordanova stressed, pointing out that even when victims receive protection orders or access crisis centres, many return to abusive environments if they cannot secure employment and housing. The study therefore recommends stricter penalties for perpetrators, stronger rehabilitation programmes to reduce repeat offenses, and greater digitalization, including legal recognition of medical records, to improve coordination and information sharing among healthcare providers, police, and social services.

The project, launched in November 2024 and running through June 2026, is implemented by Zonta Bulgaria in partnership with the National Legal Aid Bureau, with support from the Bulgarian Fund for Women and co-financing from the European Union. Implemented across more than 10 regions of Bulgaria, the project involved municipalities, police authorities, hospitals, universities, schools, courts, businesses, and sports organizations.