The number of crimes committed in the conditions of domestic violence has gone up by 54% since the beginning of the year compared to last year, the Ministry of Interior announced on International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. A national prevention campaign is being launched today, entitled “No more violence at home”, jointly with UNICEF and spanning 16 days.  

• Demonstrations against violence against women to be held in many Bulgarian cities

“The aim is make the public aware that violence affects everyone – women, men and children – and that it must not be tolerated, in any form whatsoever,” said Chief Inspector Zornitsa Shumanova, head of the domestic violence department of General Directorate of the National Police.

In the period from the beginning of the year up until 30 October, 4,320 protection orders have been received by the regional police departments, as compared to 3,631 during the same period of last year. The number of female victims of domestic violence is up by 15%, of male victims  – 15%, and of children - 13%. The number of instances of minor or moderate bodily harm at home has gone up by 130%, Chief Inspector Zornitsa Shumanova said.