site.btaJustice Minister: No Shame in Being Victim of Abuse

There is no shame in being a victim of psychological harassment or physical violence, and it is important that both men and women speak openly about the issue, Justice Minister Georgi Georgiev said on Tuesday. He addressed a conference dubbed "The Voice of Women, in Support of the Law", organized by the Animus Association to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

The event was attended by Ombudsman Velislava Delcheva, Sofia Municipal Council Deputy Chair Vanya Tagareva and representatives of the executive and judicial branches.

A third programme for preventing domestic violence will soon be launched under the Norwegian Financial Mechanism, offering funding opportunities for NGOs, Georgiev said. On behalf of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, he reaffirmed strong commitment to the effective implementation of the National Coordination Mechanism for support to victims of domestic violence.

The Minister noted that the legislative framework is already adequate but stressed the need to strengthen infrastructure and ensure practical enforcement. He highlighted the importance of an automated, protocol-based system that would alert all relevant institutions once a victim seeks help from social services.

Three new regional legal counselling centres have opened in Ruse, Burgas and Veliko Tarnovo, with more planned, including in Dobrich. Funding for the National Legal Aid Bureau has been increased by 50% to expand free legal assistance.

Georgiev underscored the essential role of NGOs and emphasized prevention and training for magistrates, police officers and other officials involved in domestic violence control. Neglecting signals of violence must remain in the past and may carry disciplinary consequences, he said.

Animus Association Director Nadezhda Stoycheva said that 23 women have been killed in Bulgaria so far in 2025. The only major achievement in 2025 is the adoption of the coordination mechanism by the Council of Ministers, she said, stressing its significance.