On 10-25 May, a group of 81 social workers and psychologists of state social centres and helplines providing social support to families, children, elderly people and people with disabilities, as well as the key staff of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs of Armenia responsible for monitoring the support centres were trained on preventing and combating domestic violence.

Through interactive training methods, the participants gained knowledge on domestic violence as a form of gender-based violence and on its various forms, manifestations and consequences on women and children’s well-being and health. The participants developed skills to identify and respond effectively to domestic violence cases and refer victims to different social support services ensuring safety of the victims. In addition, the participants learnt on how to efficiently co-operate with the police, shelters and other relevant institutions.

The trainings were organised within the framework of the Council of Europe project “Path towards Armenia’s ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence” in partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs of Armenia and the Women’s Support Centre.