Armenian rights defenders point to growth of domestic violence during quarantine

The introduction of a self-isolation regime has exacerbated social problems; the number of victims of domestic violence during the quarantine period has increased sharply, human rights defenders assert.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported referring to rights defenders that after the "velvet" revolution, the problem of domestic violence in Armenia remains relevant; the authorities do not deny problems with human rights, but fail to solve them.

Compared with January and February, the number of calls to the hotline has increased by 30 percent, said Zara Ovannisyan, coordinator of the coalition "Against Violence on Women". "We received 803 calls ... Victims of domestic violence avoid calling the police and often need simple psychological support," she said.

Due to the self-isolation regime, social problems have intensified, leading to an increase in domestic violence.

After the introduction of the state of emergency in Armenia, the Ombudsman's office received 15 reports about domestic violence. Eleven calls were about violence committed by husbands; one about violence against a child, and another one about violence against an elderly parent.

The restrictions imposed due to coronavirus have complicated the work of public organizations; while the quarantine has prevented victims of domestic violence from coming to consultations, said Asmik Gevorkyan, the programme manager for the Centre for Promoting Women.