Rally against family violence held in Armenia

On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, a rally in support of women's rights was held in Northern Avenue in Yerevan.

In Northern Avenue, a picture "Wailing Wall" was placed, which depicted quarrelling spouses, overseen by their child. Participants of the rally distributed sheets of paper, on which people had to write their comments and attach them to the picture.

Notes left by people, who passed by, read: "No to family violence!", "Violence is a demonstration of animal behaviour", "God bless our guys' self-possession!"
Susanna Vardanyan, Director of the Centre for Women's Rights, told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that it was the second protest action of that kind for recent months.

"Our actions entailed the public reaction, although it was slight. However, according to the proverb, constant dropping wears away a stone. An attitude to this problem gradually changes, that is, people are becoming more informed," said Ms Vardanyan.

"In most cases, women tend to hide family violence; however, recently, another trend is observed – Armenian female residents became more open, and they talk about their family difficulties," stated Diana Sarkisyan, a staff member of the Centre for Women's Rights.

Local residents, who were attracted to participation in the event by female activists of the Centre, stated that they highly appreciated civil direction of the action in support of women's rights. "We should hold more similar actions.

I'm sure that they will have a positive influence on family relationships and enhance the spouses' responsibility before each other and their children," said Arsen Akopyan, a theatre actor.