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The problem of violence against women and domestic violence is not personal. With its catastrophic proportions, it is a threat to the entire society. This was stated by the Vice President Iliana Yotova
Iliyana Malinova Yotova is a Bulgarian politician, 5th Vice President of the Republic of Bulgaria, at the opening of the "Forum for policies and actions in the fight against violence against women", organized by the Bulgarian Fund for Women and the Bulgarian Platform of the European Women's Lobby.
"We must break the fear of the victims.
Because fear breeds patience, which often ends fatally.
A person is less afraid when he knows that he is not alone, that there is someone to listen to him and share his worries.
I want to send a message to the statistically anonymous victims of violence - you are not alone," said Yotova and cited startling data on the extent of violence against women and domestic violence.
At least 22 women have been killed by men since the beginning of this year.
According to NSI data, every third woman between the ages of 18 and 29 has been raped by a current or former partner.
Two out of three women believe that violence against women by their intimate partners in Bulgaria occurs very or quite often.
The Vice President highlighted the key role of the non-governmental sector in the fight against violence against women and domestic violence.
"The non-governmental sector awakens the sleeping public conscience every day, proposes appropriate legislation, has direct contact with the victims of violence," Yotova pointed out.
Vice President Yotova was a guest at the celebration of 134 "Dimcho Debelyanov" Secondary School
According to the vice president, a comprehensive approach is needed in the fight against violence against women – changes in legislation, in criminal law, reforming institutions, synchronizing their activities, creating a coordinating body uniting both the government and civil society.
Iliana Yotova
Iliyana Malinova Yotova is a Bulgarian politician, the 5th Vice President of the Republic of Bulgaria, defined prevention as the main part of the way to combat violence against women.
"It includes greater public awareness, appropriate educational programs, exchange of good foreign practices," the vice president said.
"Institutions are slow to adopt effective actions to combat, prevent, protect and care for victims of violence.
On November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, successive bills were introduced to amend the Law on Protection from Domestic Violence.
I hope it's not just another flirtation with society," Iliana Yotova expressed hope
Iliana Malinova Yotova is a Bulgarian politician, 5th Vice President of the Republic of Bulgaria.
According to her, one of the most important steps is the adoption of changes to the Protection from Domestic Violence Act, along with the necessary changes to the Criminal Code.
The vice president also pointed to the lack of sufficient services to support victims of violence as a major problem.
Crisis centers funded by the state are only 8 with a capacity of 94 places.
"At least one crisis center should be built in each district.
The low pay of psychologists and social workers is also a problem," said Yotova.
Iliana Yotova
Violence against women