Back Council of Europe supports establishing domestic violence perpetrator programme in Armenia

Council of Europe supports establishing domestic violence perpetrator programme in Armenia

To break the cycle of domestic violence, it is essential to address perpetrators’ behaviour alongside victim protection and response services. On 17–18 November 2025, the Council of Europe, together with the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and the Women’s Support Centre, held a Working Group discussion and workshop on implementing a treatment programme for perpetrators of domestic violence in Armenia.

The event highlighted Armenia’s progress in laying the groundwork for a comprehensive framework and presented a study on “Analysis of the Legal and Policy Framework for Domestic Violence Perpetrator Programmes in Armenia”  prepared by the Council of Europe. The study examines the national framework in light of international and European standards, particularly Article 16 of the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, while offering recommendations for further enhancement and guidance.

The Council of Europe has also presented a newly developed curriculum, “Training of Professionals Working on Programmes for Perpetrators of Domestic Violence in the Republic of Armenia” to the Working Group members. The curriculum provides a structured professional framework ensuring that interventions are evidence-based, gender-responsive, and prioritise victim safety.

The discussion highlighted that the success of perpetrator programmes depends fundamentally on the close co-operation of all stakeholders. Effective partnerships between government agencies, NGOs, social services, law enforcement, the judiciary, and dedicated practitioners are crucial for addressing the complex challenges of working with perpetrators of domestic violence, ensuring that every intervention places the safety and rights of victims at the centre.

The reports and the event were organised as part of the Council of Europe’s project “Ending Violence Against Women and Promoting Gender Equality in Armenia” which is part of the Council of Europe Action Plan for Armenia 2023–2026.

 

YEREVAN, ARMENIA 17-18 NOVEMBER 2025
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What is the goal and objective of the project?

This project continues the critical work achieved in Phase I of the Council of Europe project Ending Violence against Women and Promoting Gender Equality in Armenia (2023-2024) on preventing and combating violence against women (VAW) and domestic violence (DV), while promoting gender equality.

The overall goal of this project is to enhance the protection and promotion of women's rights in Armenia, with a specific focus on preventing and combating VAW and DV, including its digital dimension, and promoting gender equality. 

  

 Start date: 01 January 2025

 Duration: 24 months

 Funding: 700,000 EUR, Donors contributing to the Council of Europe Action Plan for Armenia 2023–2026

Contact person: Ms Liana Amirbekyan, Senior Project Officer

Who benefits from the project?
How does the project work?

The project is implemented across two key complementary areas:
Preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence: with a focus on the Istanbul Convention and on the GREVIO General Recommendation No.1 on the digital dimension of violence against women.
Promoting gender equality and women's empowerment: This area supports the integration of gender equality into educational curricula, enhance gender-responsive practices, and empower women, particularly refugee women and girls, to facilitate their active participation in political, public, and social life.

  • Strengthening policy and institutional frameworks:  to align Armenian legislation/ regulations with Council of Europe standards on gender equality and VAW/DV, including the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence known as the Istanbul Convention.
  • Improving practices, capacities, and awareness: to enhance the knowledge and skills of authorities, legal professionals, public officials, educators, media, and civil society to effectively address VAW/DV, promote gender equality, and combat stereotypes.
  • Supporting women's empowerment particularly refugee women and girls: to facilitate their active participation in political, public, and social life and to ensure their protection from violence.
What do we expect to achieve?

By combining legislative support, capacity building, and awareness-raising efforts, the project aims to create sustainable and impactful change, ensuring alignment with international standards and local ownership.

The project will be implemented in close co-operation with Armenian national authorities, civil society organisations, and other key stakeholders, with the Council of Europe’s local office to ensure that activities are tailored to the Armenian context.

Reference documents
 Watch the film about the achievements of phase I of the project