YEREVAN. – Armenia's laws regulating issues on violence do not contain elements on the support to victims, U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Heffern said.

Ambassador personally participated in a number of events, he said during a press conference dedicated to the launch of “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence” campaign.

These are very important steps aimed at raising public awareness, Heffern said, adding that he is happy that the embassy is working with Armenian TV channels to prepare social ads.

“Social ads have a phone number where one can call when there are problems in the families,” Ambassador added.

He added that a special department was formed at Armenian police with the help of OSCE office in Yerevan, and seven employees went to the United States to get familiarized with the experience of their American colleagues.

Domestic violence exists everywhere, but the difference is how officials react to this problem. The Armenian government has things to do on this problem, he emphasized.