Domestic Violence

Name: Crime
Address: ул. „Цар Асен“ 17, ет. 2., София, София, 1000, BG
Telephone: +359 883 333 797
Price range: 1

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How can you seek protection in case of violence at home?

Domestic violence consists of acts where a family member, current or former partner, attempts to exert violence or psychological abuse over the other partner or family member. Domestic violence is committed by and against persons who are related or who live in de facto marital cohabitation. Domestic violence may concern violence by one spouse against the other while they are married, by a parent against a child, but also by one partner against another when the persons are not married. Domestic violence may also be observed between persons who share a common home, for example, between roommates.

Domestic violence has different forms of manifestation. It may consist of physical violence, sexual abuse, psychological abuse, threats, intimidation, economic deprivation, including threats of violence.

Very often, victims of domestic violence refuse to accept and acknowledge the acts committed against them. Domestic violence constitutes a criminal offence, and the perpetrator may bear criminal liability, including imprisonment.

How can you obtain protection?

Depending on the specific case, the person seeking protection may turn to different institutions. When the victim needs urgent protective measures, for example, in cases of death threats, physical assault, sexual abuse, and others, they should contact the district police department of the Ministry of Interior. Protective measures may also be imposed by the district court at the victim’s permanent or current address. The measures that the court may impose are:

Obliging the perpetrator to refrain from committing domestic violence;

Prohibiting the perpetrator from approaching the injured person, their home, workplace, and places for social contacts and recreation under conditions and for a period determined by the court;

Removing the perpetrator from the jointly occupied dwelling for a period determined by the court;

Temporarily determining the child’s residence with the injured parent or with the parent who has not committed the violence, under conditions and for a period determined by the court, if this does not contradict the interests of the child;

Obliging the perpetrator of the violence to attend specialised programmes;

Referring the injured persons to recovery programmes.

The listed measures are imposed for a specific period by filing an application with the court.

How do you prove domestic violence?

In order to receive any protection from the court upon filing an application for a protective measure, the person must prove that they are a victim of domestic violence and that such violence has actually been committed against them.

A person may turn to a doctor who can certify in writing the existence of injuries or traces of violence.

Finding witnesses who can confirm the psychological or physical abuse would also help in protecting the injured person. A neighbour, colleague, or even children – when a third person confirms the victim’s claims, this increases the chances of obtaining greater protection.

What steps should be taken by a victim of domestic violence?

01Filing an application with the district court

02Issuance of a protection order against domestic violence

03Claiming compensation

During the last 7 years, the Social Assistance Agency has worked on more than 3,695 cases of domestic violence against children.

Is there a deadline within which you must seek institutional protection?

The application to the court or to the District Police Department (RPU) must be submitted within one month of the act of domestic violence.

Get Your Compensation

You can reach us by phone at: +359 883 333 797 or by booking an appointment.

If our team is able to take on your matter, you will be notified in writing by email and your consultation request will be confirmed. Free legal aid is provided only in cases where the injured parties meet the requirements under the Bar Act..