YEREVAN.- The Coalition to Stop Violence Against Women started a new action to raise awareness to the population at large in Yerevan on the problem of violence against women. 

We can see throughout Yerevan on busses of lines # 33 and 36 the signs with the coalition logo largely displayed on buses.  The signs offer Hot Line numbers for victims of domestic or sexual violence. Victims of abuse can call in safety and anonymously and receive support, guidance and counseling to ease their suffering.  

The cases of sexual and domestic violence among Armenians become more frequent. This is not a phenomenon specific to Armenia but it is recognized to be a global problem for which society and governments must act to condemn and punish such acts.

Solving conflicts through threats and violence is punishable by law in other countries and must be the rule in Armenia as well. Children are mostly affected by witnessing violence in their family and chances for them to become emotionally affected or them becoming abusers are very high.

Women must not remain silent and society – each of us, neighbors , friends , relatives - must understand the victim and condemn the abuser. An abusive behavior is one that seeks control and does not have a normal family relationship based on partnership and respect. Such behavior can become dangerous as domestic violence increases with time and can become life threatening. Such behavior is  not admissible in a civilized society.