The first digitalized unified system for recording cases of domestic violence was presented to stakeholders today. It will contain comprehensive information on each case of domestic violence, its course, and services provided to the person subjected to violence, and will also help the state to make prevention, response, and referral activities faster, more coordinated, and targeted.
The system was developed by the joint initiative of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of the Republic of Armenia and UNFPA Armenia Country Office, through the ““Nork” Social Services Technology and Awareness Center” Foundation, with financial support from the European Union.
“This information collection system was developed in a participatory manner, and it has been mutually agreed upon with all stakeholders that are part of the operation of the platform," said Lusine Sargsyan, UNFPA Armenia Head of Office, opening the event. "For more than seven years, since the adoption of the Law on Domestic Violence, the registration of services provided in cases of domestic violence has been carried out using a non-unified methodology and in paper form. We hope that this new, digital and unified methodology-based system will help the state and interested parties to make their work more targeted and have sufficient data for further reforms in the sector."
The presentation of the system was welcomed by Mr. Narek Mkrtchyan, Minister of Labor and Social Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, Ms. Françoise Jacob, UN Resident Coordinator in Armenia, and Mr. Jan Plesinger, Head of the Political, Press and Information Section of the Delegation at the EU Delegation to Armenia.
“Such systems enable state bodies to develop evidence-based and data-based policies aimed at preventing and overcoming domestic violence, modernizing and improving measures to protect and support victims of domestic violence, and finally raising public awareness. The existence of the system is also important in the context of monitoring the dynamics of violence cases, identifying recurring cases and risk factors, and implementing appropriate preventive actions,” noted Minister Mkrtchyan.
The UN Resident Coordinator in Armenia said: “With this system, Armenia is taking a significant step towards a more effective and data-based approach to combating domestic violence. I am convinced that this important tool will help us all create a safer and more just society.”
Mr. Jan Pleschinger noted that digitalization and the fight against domestic violence are important directions for the European Union, and this new platform will allow not only to improve the response system, but also to have a comprehensive unified database.
Anahit Parzyan, Head of the “Nork” Social Services Technological and Information Center” Foundation, presented the details of the system’s work and data collection.
The system will operate based on the decision of the Government of the Republic of Armenia dated January 18, 2024, according to which information will be collected from a number of state structures, including NGOs providing services delegated by the state. The final summary and publication of the data will be carried out by the authorized body, the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. The “Nork” Social Services Technological and Information Center” Foundation is responsible for the smooth operation of the system.
The Police, the Investigative Committee, the Prosecutor’s Office, the Judicial Department, support centers and shelters will enter data into the system. If necessary, other departments, for example, the Ministry of Health, may also enter information.
The event was held within the framework of the “ATHENA: Advancing the Human Rights Agenda and Enhancing National Authorities” Project that is co-funded by the European Union and is implemented by UNDP, UNFPA and UNICEF.
