The kick-off event of the EU-funded Twinning project titled “Strengthening the capacity of the State Bodies and local level referral mechanisms to provide safety and support to the victims of domestic violence” was held remotely on 29th March to officially mark the launch of the initiative.

The beneficiary of the project from Azerbaijan is the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs.

The Deputy Chairman stressed that the inculcation of national and moral values, ensuring gender equality in the family, improving and implementing the legal framework are the main terms for the prevention of domestic violence.

 Mr. Kestutis Jankauskas, Head of the EU Delegation to Azerbaijan said that the EU is ready to work unwearyingly with its partners to strengthen the legal framework and institutions, support development and education, improve services to victims of violence, eliminate the causes of violence and empower women.

Mr. Egidius Navikas, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Lithuania to the Republic of Azerbaijan stressed the importance of twinning projects and Lithuania's experience in this area.

The project also envisages the involvement of journalists and influential social media leaders in the development of an awareness campaign to raise awareness in the field of domestic violence and contribute to preventive measures in this area.