Epress.am News from Armenia
The Coalition to Stop Violence Against Women in Armenia has declared Oct. 1 a National Day to Combat Domestic Violence. The Coalition states that the purpose of the day is to prevent domestic violence and to build strong and healthy families.
The impetus for the day was the case of Zaruhi Petrosyan, who died three years ago on Oct. 1, after being severely beaten by her husband.
"Zaruhi's case, of course, was not the only case in Armenia, but it set a precedence, since it fostered the emergence of a discourse on the widespread phenomenon of domestic violence in Armenia, news outlets' coverage of domestic violence incidents hidden in our society, and raised public awareness of this phenomenon," reads a statement issued by the Coalition. Following the incident, 7 concerned NGOs formed the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Women in Armenia, demanding a fair trial and an end to such cases.
On Oct. 1, 2013, the Coalition will organize a peaceful 12-hour demonstration (from 9 am to 9 pm) outside the Government of Armenia building.
At 11 am on the same day, the Coalition will deliver a letter to RA Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan, calling the government to keep its promise and adopt the domestic violence prevention law.