RA HRD condemned the speech justifying domestic violence

The human rights defender expressed concern about the speech used during public and parliamentary debates on domestic violence justifying violence and targeting the victims of violence, stressing that such wording deepens public stereotypes.

“Public discussions related to the topic of domestic violence prevention, including legislation and its amendments, are often accompanied by the use of such discourse that in fact reinforces stereotypes that justify violence, target victims of violence, refrain from reporting violence, and the like.

Moreover, this kind of talk is also heard from the most important platform of democratic discussions, during various parliamentary discussions.

The defender of human rights emphasizes that the representatives of the state government and public figures are responsible for both the prevention of violence and the overcoming of existing stereotypes in the society due to their status. This implies maximum sensitivity during the discussion of topics related to human rights, in relation to which the problems in society are particularly large.

Moreover, from the point of view of international standards, the insensitive nature of speech already makes speech itself problematic from the point of view of human rights, regardless of the purpose of use.

Moreover, the use of such insensitive types of speech can be considered as a violation of ethics or code of conduct from the perspective of both officials and professional communities.

The defender of human rights emphasizes that the democratic debate is the cornerstone of any civilized society. One may disagree with any legislative change or idea voiced.

It is possible to voice healthy criticism of any bill or idea while respecting the standards of human rights. At the same time, these discussions cannot be accompanied by speech that contradicts human rights standards, including directly or indirectly justifying violence, targeting victims of violence, or deepening stereotypes in any other way,” the HRD office reports.