Domestic violence is a social problem that affects every fourth family in Bulgaria. An analysis by Blagorodna Makeva, Ph.D., shows how the institutions in Pernik have been working together since 2016 and lays the foundation for a new mechanism, as well as for the first of its kind in Kardzhali. It was implemented with the support of the Bulgarian Fund for Women within the project "Strong Together: Network for the Protection and Support of Women and Girls Victims of Violence".

This research doesn't just describe the situation – it gives direction on how to work better together to protect the people who need support the most.

Behind this in-depth work is Blagorodna Makeva, Ph.D., – a lawyer, lecturer and long-time expert in the field of protection from domestic violence and human rights. Her experience in the Ministry of Interior, her work as a consultant to international organizations and her dedication to the topic give weight and practical value to the analysis.

Pernik is one of the first districts in Bulgaria to introduce a Regional Coordination Mechanism for Responding to Cases of Domestic Violence in 2016. This was a bold and important move by which the institutions and organizations declared: "We have a responsibility, together".

Today, almost 10 years later, it is time for the mechanism to be updated and upgraded. The analysis clearly outlines what has been achieved and where there is a need for improvement – from better training of employees and more active involvement of doctors and teachers, to the creation of mobile rapid response teams and integrated information exchange systems..

Based on this experience, a new mechanism for Pernik is to be signed, and in Kardzhali - for the first time one will be introduced. This will provide hundreds of people with faster access to protection and professional support.

We note the following key conclusions in the analysis:

• When we work together, we succeed – no institution, no organization can do it alone.
• A unified language and clear rules save lives – quick coordination is the difference between a delayed response and timely help.
• Pernik is an example – as one of the first districts with an operating mechanism, the city shows what courage and commitment mean.
• Kardzhali is moving forward – the introduction of the first mechanism there is a big step towards a safer environment for women and children.

The analysis reminds us of something very important: behind every statistic there is human destiny. And when institutions, organizations and local communities work together, we can be there for people in their most difficult moments.

An important step is to come - the signing of the new mechanism in Pernik and the creation of the first one in Kardzhali. The real change happens when the people behind the institutions and organizations work together – professionally, responsibly and uncompromisingly in the implementation of protection and support policies.

Read the full analysis here.

With the financial support of the Bulgarian Women's Fund and the European Union. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the BWF, the EU, the European Commission's Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers, or the EC. Neither the BWF, the EU, nor the EC and its structures can be held responsible for them.