Lawmakers postpone domestic violence legislation debate for two months

Lawmakers on Thursday postponed debate on domestic violence legislation to address all the proposals that have been received and make revisions. 

The relevant proposal was presented on October 1 at a meeting of the parliamentary Committee on Protection of Human Rights and Public Affairs by Civil Contract MP Zaruhi Batoyan, the main rapporteur on the package.

The legislative initiative was co-authored by Civil Contract legislators Zaruhi Batoyan, Sona Ghazaryan and Tsovinar Vardanyan. The package includes a draft law on making amendments and additions to the Law on Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence and Protection of Persons Subjected to Family and Domestic Violence, as well as amendments to related laws.

Batoyan said numerous proposals had been received and that, given the scope of the package, additional time was needed to properly address proposals submitted by colleagues and civil society.

Committee Chair Lilit Galstyan welcomed the decision to postpone the discussion and amend the bill. 

Batoyan stressed that, alongside legislative amendments, public awareness and cooperation are also important.

“Of course, during the presentation, I will try to address the main changes. But I do not think that we can solve all the problems with a single amendment. Public awareness, discussions and cooperation are also very important. So, thank you for the discussions. And yes, we will also hold working discussions with you to see which changes we can implement at this point, and which ones we can implement either through subordinate legislation or at a later stage,” the MP said.

At the beginning of the meeting, Batoyan also addressed the Day Against Domestic Violence, observed on October 1, calling on people not to remain silent about violence and to seek help.

“There is no shame in talking about domestic violence. There is no shame in seeking help and support. There is no shame in calling the Police and reporting a case of violence. There is no shame in responding to a case of violence and helping the victim. There is no shame in telling your story and sharing your own experience. What is shameful is justifying violence and blaming the victim,” Batoyan stressed.

Committee Chair Lilit Galstyan said that non-governmental organizations and interested individuals wishing to participate in the discussions may contact the committee. Proposals from individual MPs and parliamentary factions will also be discussed in working sessions and at a committee meeting.