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What is domestic violence, and what other forms of violence exist?
According to the RA Law on the Prevention of Domestic Violence, Protection of Persons Subjected to Domestic Violence, and Restoration of Family Solidarity, domestic violence is legally defined as any act of violence—whether physical, sexual, psychological, or economic— as well as neglect, committed between family members. A person subjected to domestic violence is defined as an individual who, through a warning, urgent intervention, protective decision, or a legally binding court verdict, has been identified as a victim of domestic violence. Domestic violence can be inflicted upon any family member, but women are primarily its victims. It is often used by one family member to force their partner into fulfilling their desires or demands. Domestic violence typically involves repeated actions by the perpetrator and can manifest in various forms: physical, sexual, psychological, economic, or in the form of contempt toward a family member.
All forms of domestic violence are considered crimes, and perpetrators are subject to legal penalties as prescribed by the Criminal Code. Law enforcement agencies have the authority to force an individual who has committed domestic violence to immediately leave the victim’s residence and prohibit their return until the period specified in the court decision expires.
Physical violence involves the direct and unlawful use of physical force, resulting in bodily injury, pain, or deterioration of health. Examples of physical violence include slapping, hitting, pushing, punching, beating, and so on. It also includes preventing a woman from seeking help by using force.
Sexual violence refers to any act that violates a person’s sexual integrity, committed intentionally and without regard for the woman’s consent. Examples include forced pregnancy, forced abortion, or non-consensual sexual intercourse with a spouse.
Psychological violence is the intentional infliction of severe mental pain. It includes threats of various kinds, intentional acts that cause a person to regularly fear for their own safety or that of a family member, extreme social isolation, and forced abortion.
Economic violence can involve depriving a person of basic necessities such as food, clothing, shelter, or medicine to create material dependence or control over them. It can also include restricting a person’s right to property, education, or employment opportunities.
Where to seek help if you have been subjected to domestic violence:
For assistance in preventing domestic violence, you can contact:
Police: They will ensure your safety, confidentiality, and apply urgent intervention measures against the perpetrator. You can contact the police by calling 1-02.
Non-governmental organizations that protect the rights of women victims of violence:
Women's Support Center: 099 88 78 08
Women's Rights Center: 010 54 28 28, 043 01 02 92
Women's Rights House NGO (Shirak region, Gyumri city): 077 570 580
Women's Resource Center: 099 887 808
These NGOs provide free legal, psychological, and social consultations, financial assistance for food, hygiene products, or accommodation.
If possible, you should immediately seek assistance from medical institutions, where you will receive urgent medical care and they will coordinate with law enforcement. It is important to keep the clothes you were wearing at the time of the violence, as they may serve as evidence.
If you are a victim of sexual violence, your first priority is to contact the police, undergo an urgent medical examination, or reach out to a trusted individual who can support you immediately after the incident. You can also contact NGOs that specialize in supporting victims of sexual violence. Remember, seeking support as soon as possible is crucial.
Sexual violence refers to any sexual act or action that violates a person's sexual integrity, carried out without consent. It may include physical force, coercion, or manipulation. According to the Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia, sexual violence includes acts such as sexual intercourse or other sexual acts, including imitation of sexual intercourse, committed against the will of the victim or in disregard of their consent, by using violence or threats of violence against the victim or another person, or by exploiting the victim’s helpless state. A person who commits such an act is subject to legal consequences as prescribed by the Criminal Code, within the specified timeframe.
When discussing the definition of sexual violence, it is crucial to address one of its key components: consent. Any sexual intercourse or attempt thereof, carried out against a person's will or under circumstances where the victim did not consent, constitutes sexual violence. It is important that individuals involved in a sexual act have the freedom and capacity to make their own choices. At any point, either party in the sexual act can change their decision. Consent obtained through persuasion, manipulation, or psychological pressure can also be considered a form of violence.
If you become a victim of sexual violence, the first crucial steps are to contact the police, undergo a preliminary medical examination, or reach out to a trusted individual who can offer support immediately following the incident. You may also contact non-governmental organizations that provide support to victims of sexual violence.
If you seek assistance from a medical institution, the victim will receive:
Primary (urgent) or specialized medical care,
Psychosocial counseling and support,
HIV and hepatitis B prevention,
Pregnancy prevention,
Pain management and treatment of other symptoms,
Examination by a forensic expert and collection of physical evidence.
The medical institution is obligated to notify the local police department about the case of sexual violence. If you prefer to seek support from non-governmental organizations, you can contact those that offer psychological, medical, social assistance, and temporary shelter to victims of violence.