Domestic violence in Bulgaria – parameters, prerequisites, trends of social work

Abstract

Domestic violence remains one of the key issues throughout the world, seen by many as an epidemic for many countries, causing much damage and destruction to family life. This article focuses on the structure of domestic violence in Bulgaria and the system of mechanisms in place for preventing violence. This begins with establishing the key parameters of domestic violence through the work of monitoring agencies. Interviews with respondents give a chance to explain the spread of domestic violence, its main forms, the reasons for it and social attitudes regarding the need to provide professional assistance to the victims while applying punitive measures to those who commit domestic violence. Empirical sociological data is thus used to highlight the scale and structure of domestic violence. Also reviewed are the various practises and legal mechanisms in place for the reduction of domestic violence in the current period. This includes recently passed legislation and an evaluation of its implementation. The conclusion is reached that what is needed in Bulgaria at the beginning of the 21st century is further legislative protection in cases of domestic violence as well as social work focused on both eliminating the causes giving rise to family violence and restricting and minimising its consequences. This article underlines the positive trends in social work against domestic violence in Bulgaria, the functions and authorities of institutions involved in this problem. This must be seen within the general process of reform of social policy in a county that has only recently attained EU member state status. However, much must still be done to assist the professionalization of those involved in social work and to reduce the divide between new social work practices and deep-rooted traditional values in Bulgaria. This includes both measures of prevention as well as a range of moves to help both the victim and perpetrators of domestic violence in reintegration into society.