As of July 1, 2024, amendments to the “Law on Prevention of Domestic Violence, Protection of Victims of Domestic Violence, and Restoration of Harmony in Families” have come into effect. These changes introduce more effective mechanisms for the protection of individuals subjected to domestic violence.
On December 12, the Minister of Internal Affairs issued a decree establishing a new procedure for overseeing the implementation of urgent intervention and protective orders. These updated provisions, which significantly differ from the previous regulations, aim to enhance the efficiency of Armenia’s system for preventing and addressing domestic violence.
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, monitoring will be conducted by authorized officers of the Community Police Department under the General Directorate of the Police. These officers will carry out both in-person visits and electronic monitoring to ensure the safety of victims. Electronic monitoring tools are expected to significantly improve the protection of those subjected to domestic violence.
The new regulations include clear procedures and mechanisms for cooperation between relevant institutions. Notably, any report of a violation of urgent intervention or protective orders will require officers to visit the victim’s actual location within 24 hours of receiving the information.
A clear schedule for regular visits has also been established:
-For urgent intervention orders, visits must occur at least once every 10 days.
-For protective orders, visits must occur at least once a month.
Additionally, the mechanisms for collaboration with other concerned bodies have been clarified to ensure a coordinated and effective response to cases of domestic violence.
These changes represent a significant step in strengthening the legal and institutional framework for combating domestic violence in Armenia, providing better protection for victims and ensuring their safety and rights.
