Adequately countering domestic and gender-based violence (DGBV) is still a challenge for Bulgaria. The lack of explicit legal definitions, and a case registry, as well as the limited capacity of shelters and crisis centers for victims are just some of the problems. Taken together, this necessitates the regular, full monitoring of the measures for prevention, protection and financial compensation of the victims of DGBV, as well as the further improvement and analysis of these measures.

On March 9, 2021, the Center for the Study of Democracy, together with PULSE Foundation, organized a consultation meeting to discuss a draft methodology for monitoring policy and institutional practice in relation to domestic and gender-based violence in Bulgaria. The event was attended by representatives of relevant state institutions and experts from the non-governmental sector, who provided opinions and recommendations on the methodology’s contents and scope. Norway’s experience in terms of public policy and institutional practice in relation to violence in close relationships was also shared during the event.

The main conclusions of the meeting will support the upcoming pilot monitoring and the finalization of the document at the end of 2021.