In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Justice of Bulgaria published today, Commissioner Mijatović calls on the Bulgarian authorities to improve the legal and institutional protection of victims of violence against women and domestic violence.
The Commissioner stresses that the requirement of “systematic” violence provided by the Criminal Code in respect of offences committed in the context of domestic violence must be repealed without delay. “I am particularly concerned that the requirement of “systematic” violence not only exposes victims of domestic violence to serious risks, but also limits the possibilities to sanction perpetrators and sends a dangerous message to society that domestic violence is acceptable”, writes the Commissioner.
In addition, the Commissioner reiterates her previous recommendations to the Bulgarian authorities to urgently address the severe lack of support services for victims of domestic violence and to take further measures to promote equality between women and men, including through awareness raising, training and education to fight sexist prejudices.