Violence Against Women in Armenia
What you need to know, how to recognize it, and what to do if you feel in danger
General Information
Violence against women remains a serious and often silenced issue in Armenia. It can happen in the family, at work, in public spaces, or online.
According to statistics, dozens of women become victims of domestic violence each year, while many others live under long-term psychological, sexual, or economic abuse—often without knowing their rights or how to seek help.
Types of Violence
Violence against women can take various forms:
Physical violence – hitting, beating, choking, or causing physical harm
Psychological violence – intimidation, insults, threats, control, isolation
Sexual violence – forced sexual acts without consent
Economic violence – denial of financial resources, forbidding work, imposing debts
Cyber violence – online threats, spreading harmful content, digital surveillance
How to Recognize Signs of Abuse
You may be experiencing abuse if:
Your partner controls or threatens you — deciding who you talk to or where you go
You often feel fear, anxiety, or guilt in your relationship
You are forbidden from working or studying
You are often insulted, humiliated or isolated from friends and family
You have unexplained bruises or wounds on your body
Your partner forces you to have sex without consent
You are afraid to say ‘no’ or express an opinion
What to Do If You Are in Danger or Experiencing Abuse
In Case of Immediate Danger:
Call the police – 102 (free, 24/7)
Try to escape to a safe place – a relative, neighbor, or shelter
Turn on your phone’s voice recorder or document the situation (if it is safe to do so)
Call support organizations for counseling and assistance
If Abuse Is Ongoing but You Cannot Immediately Leave:
Prepare a safety plan with important documents, cash, and emergency contacts
Trust someone — a friend, relative, or colleague — who knows about your situation
Document the abuse — with photos, messages, recordings
Stay in regular contact with support organizations, even secretly if needed
Organizations That Can Help
Women’s Resource Center Armenia (WRC)
Phone: +374 94 56 56 26
Hotlines:
Domestic violence – +374 99 88 78 08
Sexual Violence / Trafficking– +374 77 99 12 80
Violence against women with disabilities – +374 77 04 30 42
Services: counseling, shelter, psychological and legal support, social work.
Coalition to Stop Violence Against Women – NGO Network
Phone: +374 41 43 37 43
Hotlines:
Domestic violence – +374 99 88 78 08
Sexual violence – 010 54 28 28
Email: wsc.armenia@gmail.com
Services: Crisis assistance, shelter, legal advice in domestic violence cases, reintegration programs, parenting skills training, economic empowerment programs
Women’s Support Center Armenia
Phone: +374 99 88 78 08
Services: Advocacy, support for women affected by domestic violence, shelter, psychologist, legal support
Police – Gender-Based Violence Division
Call 102 (free and available 24/7)
Remember
You are not to blame if you are experiencing violence.
You have the right to a safe life, regardless of your marital status or social situation.
There are organizations and people ready to help you.