site.btaActing Prosecutor General Issues Instructions on More Effective Work in Domestic Violence Proceedings

Acting Prosecutor General Borislav Sarafov issued instructions for more effective work on cases and proceedings related to domestic violence, the press centre of the proseuction service said Wednesday.

The instructions on the organisation of the prosecution service's work on this type of cases is intended to ensure the effective, timely and priority conduct of pre-trial proceedings related to domestic violence. The aim is to effectively protect victims and create a unified mechanism for timely response in cases of domestic violence, as well as in cases of non-compliance with a protection order against domestic violence, the statement reads.

Rrecommendations are given on what actions to take when complaints and reports of domestic violence or files from the Ministry of Interior regarding inspections are received. One of them is to notify the relevant territorial Social Assistance Directorate in all cases of domestic violence committed in the presence of or against minors, persons under guardianship or persons with disabilities. When the victim is unable to defend themselves due to helplessness or dependence on the perpetrator, the prosecutor shall promptly file a request for a protection order with the regional court at the victim's place of residence.

Sarafov instructs the administrative heads of district and regional prosecution offices across the country to establish the necessary organisation for the accurate implementation of the instructions, by monitoring the timely administration of files and cases in this category and conducting periodic analyses.

The instructions are in line with the latest changes in legislation relating to the rights of victims of domestic violence or persons at risk, with protection measures and with state policy on prevention and protection against domestic violence.