Domestic Violence in Armavir: Women Afraid to Speak Up

Violence against women exists in Armavir marz (province) and makes up a large percentage, said Armavir Development Center (ADC) NGO President Naira Arakelyan, speaking with Epress.am. 

Thanks to a grant by the Open Society Institute (OSI) Assistance Foundation – Armenia, ADC was able to carry out a study called “Domestic Violence Against Women in Armavir,” the results of which were presented today. 

Arakelyan said that the NGO not only conducted a study, but also initiated an awareness campaign in the city of Armavir and 10 nearby village communities. 

“There was a sensitivity: the question, of course, was anonymous, but, in any case, when we asked a woman ‘Are you subject to violence?’ sometimes she avoided responding, but when we asked, ‘Do you know of such cases?’, all unanimously responded, ‘yes’,” explained Arakelyan.

According to her, not only physical violence, but also psychological and economic violence exists in the community.

Speaking on the reasons for violence, Arakelyan said one of the reasons is the lack of awareness; also an atmosphere of fear is present. Furthermore, she said, Armenian mentality and stereotypes play a large role. 

“Many women said that a good wife should obey her husband, he is the head of the family, and in many cases, when we asked ‘If there’s violence, why don’t you ask for someone’s help?’, they said that it must remain within the walls of their family [home],” said the NGO president. 

OSI Armenia representative Davit Amiryan said that their foundation, during the course of their long-term activities, have always focused on those issues which refer to the rights of women and children.

In his opinion, the Armavir program is another opportunity to hold discussions on the topic of domestic violence.