On December 9, 2025, at the Cultural Palace in Pernik, more than 25 institutions and organizations signed a Memorandum of Cooperation between institutions and organizations in the Pernik region for partnership in cases of domestic violence. The document represents a key step toward strengthening inter-institutional cooperation in the region in addressing domestic violence.

PULSE Foundation is a beneficiary under Contract No. BG05SFPR001-1.007-0003-C01 “Path to Knowledge: Literacy and Opportunities for Adults in Kardzhali”, co-financed by the European Union under procedure BG05SFPR001-1.007 Adult Literacy (through selection) of the Programme “Education” 2021–2027.

In November, the team of PULSE Foundation – Kardzhali branch, with the support of the team from Pernik, held several important meetings and training sessions aimed at preventing violence, raising awareness, and supporting children and young people in the region. The discussions were organized within the framework of the project “United Network for Inclusive Values, Equality, Rights and Social Empowerment – UNIVERSE,” funded by Minority Rights Group under the “Mario” program, which seeks to promote equality, facilitate access to knowledge, and empower young people.

Violence against women and girls remains a global problem that we face on a daily basis.

One in three women worldwide has been a victim of physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner at least once in their lives.

In Bulgaria, domestic violence is a widespread social phenomenon that remains underestimated due to low reporting rates, social and cultural stereotypes, distrust of institutions, fear and economic dependence on the perpetrator of violence. Many cases remain hidden in the home, and women often seek help only after repeated or severe accidents.

Since the beginning of 2025, more than 20 Bulgarian women have lost their lives to their current or former partners. It's not just a number. These are lives shattered, hopes lost, destroyed by violence, harassment and humiliation.

Since the beginning of the year, 485 people have turned for help to the consultation program of the PULSE Foundation, Pernik. The problems for which they seek help are different - experienced physical, mental or sexual violence, dealing with anger and aggression, risk of falling into human trafficking, anxiety, etc.

Every year, between November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and December 10, Human Rights Day, the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence are launched.

For another year, governments, civil society, women's organizations, young people, the private sector, the media, the UN system, government partners, schools, universities and individuals are participating in campaigns to raise awareness, responsibility and improve national policies and standards.

Over the next 16 days, the PULSE Foundation team will join the calls of this year's UN Global Campaign titled: "Uniting to Stop Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls”, with a global focus on raising awareness and promoting strategies to tackle online violence. This year's campaign is also a reminder that digital safety is fundamental to gender equality.

The team of the PULSE Foundation will take part in events on significant dates, training sessions, discussions and information campaigns that aim to put on the agenda the problem of violence and the opportunities for support of victims. Increasingly often there is an emphasis on online violence and the risks it poses, especially for younger girls.

PULSE Foundation, Kardzhali Branch, will launch the campaign on November 25 with the opening of the Photo Exhibition "Let's Stop the Silence" at the Regional Administration, Kardzhali. Through the power of photography, the different forms of domestic violence will be shown, which will invite reflection and empathy. During the event, the videos from CODE "Blue" will be screened, which shed light on the stories of five brave women and one man who survived domestic violence. Through artistic performances by talented Bulgarian actors, the experiences of the victims are recreated to inspire others to seek help.

On November 28 at the International Youth Center, Pernik, the team of the PULSE Foundation, will hold a Talk for students and volunteers on topics related to sexual and reproductive health

On December 9, an updated Regional Coordination Mechanism for Response to Cases of Domestic Violence by key institutions in Pernik district will be officially signed.

In the period 13–14 November 2025, the team of the PULSE Foundation – Kardzhali branch organized a series of meetings and discussions with the representatives of the Regional Social Assistance Directorate – Kardzhali and the directorates in Ardino, Dzhebel and Kirkovo.