In 2016, Pernik became one of the first in the country in which institutions and organizations united and signed a Partnership Agreement and a Regional Coordination Mechanism for Responding to Cases of Domestic Violence. This was an important step towards creating a sustainable model for the protection and support of victims of domestic violence.

Despite the efforts made, domestic violence remains a serious public problem that requires constant engagement, coordination and cooperation between all responsible institutions. It is good joint work that is key to the timely and effective provision of assistance to the victims. Although there is still no functioning coordination mechanism on a national scale, in Pernik we already have a structure and a successful partnership between the institutions and the civil sector.

Since the beginning of January 2025, PULSE Foundation has been implementing the project "Strong Together: Network for Protection and Support of Women and Girls Victims of Violence", funded by the "Strong" program of the Bulgarian Fund for Women. Within the framework of the project, we could analyze and update the regional coordination mechanism, and finally, we envisage the multiplication of good practices from Pernik to Kardzhali. Among the activities envisaged are training for the experts included in the coordination mechanism, which will be held this year.

On May 20, 2025, a regional working meeting was held in the Municipality of Pernik, which was attended by more than 25 representatives of institutions, organizations and experts involved in the fight against domestic violence. The topic of the meeting was the presentation of the results of an analysis of the current Regional Coordination Mechanism and the discussion of proposals for its improvement and upgrade.

Among the participants in the meeting were the Minister of Justice Georgi Georgiev, the Mayor of Pernik Municipality Stanislav Vladimirov, the Regional Governor Lyudmil Veselinov, the Chairman of the Municipal Council - Pernik Denislav Zahariev, the Director of the Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Interior - Pernik Milcho Milchev, as well as the heads of all regional departments, as well as representatives of the judiciary, the Ministry of Interior, social, educational structures and the non-governmental sector.

Minister Georgiev emphasized the importance of local models for coordination and partnership with the words: "We must distinguish the role of Pernik as a pioneer in the field of extremely important social services, which have been provided for more than a quarter of a century by the PULSE Foundation. Helping more than 7,500 victims of violence is an extraordinary result that deserves to be celebrated."

The Mayor of Pernik Municipality Stanislav Vladimirov pointed out: "The topic of domestic violence is extremely sensitive for our society. Every day we witness manifestations that are incompatible with the values we strive for. The road to change is long, but I believe that when there is perseverance, a clear vision and work done with the heart – as we see thanks to the PULSE Foundation – the results are not long in coming."

The Regional Governor Lyudmil Veselinov expressed support for the activities of the Foundation and the importance of cooperation: "Since its foundation, the PULSE Foundation has been working in close cooperation with the Regional Administration. It is gratifying that thanks to your efforts, the crisis center not only has excellent conditions but is also filled with content – through quality work and a clear message of prevention."

The Chairman of the Pernik Municipal Council Denislav Zahariev emphasized the importance of unity: "We have always acted as a team and have overcome difficulties together. I hope that in the future we will preserve this synergy between the state, local authorities and the non-governmental sector, because this is the only way to sustainable solutions. You live with the cause of helping – and that is why you are a real treasure for our city."

The Chairperson of the PULSE Foundation Ekaterina Veleva presented the opportunities for support that the organization offers both in Pernik and in Kardzhali and stressed: "The sustainable partnership between the institutions in Pernik is an example of a working model that deserves to be applied in other regions. Only by working together can we ensure that survivors of violence receive adequate, timely and sensitive assistance."

During the meeting, Dr. Blagorodna Makeva, Ph.D. presented data on domestic violence in the Pernik district for the first four months of 2025, including information on the number of alerts, protection orders, case law and registered crimes. She also presented an analysis of the current coordination mechanism, prepared based on a survey among its participants, as well as proposals for update. The moderation of the meeting was also entrusted to Dr. Makeva, Ph.D., who is a long-time expert in the field of justice and human rights.

Natalia Ilieva, Chairperson of the National Legal Aid Bureau, presented the opportunities for legal support for victims of violence and stressed that the cause should be shared by all institutions.

By the end of 2025, an updated Regional Coordination Mechanism is to be signed in Pernik, based on the long-term experience, analysis and sustainable partnership between the institutions in the region. In Kardzhali, where the PULSE Foundation. There is a branch from 2024, for the first time such a mechanism for interinstitutional cooperation in cases of domestic violence is to be prepared and signed.

The signing of updated and new coordination mechanisms in Pernik and Kardzhali is an important step towards clearer responsibility and better protection for survivors of violence. The "Strong Together" project creates an opportunity not only for structural changes, but also for real preparation of the institutions involved through trainings and exchange of experience.

Working on the topic requires perseverance, honest conversation and commitment – not only in words, but in real actions. This meeting in Pernik showed that when the people behind the institutions work together, results are possible.

The publication was made with the financial support of the Bulgarian Fund for Women and the European Union. The views and opinions expressed are only of the PULSE Foundation and do not necessarily reflect those of BFW, the EU, the Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers of the European Commission or the European Commission. Neither BFW, nor the EU, nor the EC and its structures can be held responsible for them.

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