Today, walking to stop violence...

The Women’s Resource Center of Yerevan is launching a series of events of activism to stop violence against women in Armenia and around the world.
Violence directed at women in Armenia is a serious problem according to a recent survey. The study revealed that a minimum of 1 in 3 Armenian women are subject to domestic violence and 20% of them suffer frequent and heavy violence. Moreover 60% of all interviewees agreed that “domestic violence is a wide-spread problem in Armenia”.
The consequences of domestic violence are severe and include detriment to physical and mental health. As well, domestic abuse poses a threat to children and erodes the children’s safe environment where the harassment of their mothers often occurs in full view.

Armenia has very limited resources for women living in violence. Also, the lack of domestic laws to protect women contributes to widespread silence on the issue.

The Women’s Resource Center demands that:
• The Armenian authorities should publicly support Armenian NGOs work at combating violence against women.
• The authorities of Armenia should address and prevent domestic and sexual violence.
• The authorities of Armenia should set up nationwide network of crisis centers and shelters offering advice and protection for women escaping violence.

On November 25, 2008, the International day to stop violence against women, the Collective of the Women’s Resource Center with other NGOs and human rights activists will march from Zarubyan 34 towards the Republic Square to voice their concerns and inform the population on the issue.
Activists and concerned people living outside of Armenia can join our action by holding a vigil in front of Armenian embassies abroad, on the same day.
A round-table discussion on ‘the reality of sexual violence in Armenia’ will take place on November 27 at 6pm, Writer’s Union building.

Women in the world and women in Armenia need our action and need laws! It is time to protect women’s physical, emotional and mental rights.


In solidarity with your mothers, sisters, wives, friends…..

Join us!
Peaceful March
WHEN: November 25, 2008 at 3 pm
WHERE: Meet at the Women’s center on Zarubyan 34 & Republic Square
Round-table
WHEN: November 27, 2008 at 6 pm
WHERE: Writer’s Union