On December 9, 2025, at the Cultural Palace in Pernik, more than 25 institutions and organizations signed a Memorandum of Cooperation between institutions and organizations in the Pernik region for partnership in cases of domestic violence. The document represents a key step toward strengthening inter-institutional cooperation in the region in addressing domestic violence.

The event was opened by Deputy Minister of Justice Mihaela Mechkunova, who emphasized the importance of coordination between institutions on the eve of International Human Rights Day.

She stressed the need for the mechanism to function as a genuine tool for protection, rather than as a formal procedure:

„ Domestic violence affects all layers of society, but the protection of victims and the prevention of violence are the responsibility of all of us – institutions, non-governmental organizations, and communities. “

Mechkunova pointed to Pernik as one of the regions that provided an example of successful coordination as early as 2016:

“I must note that Pernik Province is among the examples – here the mechanism shows how cooperation can be turned into real protection.”

She concluded with an appeal for community solidarity and professionalism:

“Together we are not just talking about reform – together we are making it possible.”

After Deputy Minister Mechkunova’s message, the governor of Pernik addressed the attendees with a greeting that built on the topic, emphasizing regional experience and the importance of local partnership.

Lyudmil Veselinov: “Today we are taking a new step forward.”

The regional governor, Lyudmil Veselinov, emphasized the historical significance of the day:

“We are gathering to take another decisive step toward building a sustainable system for protecting victims of domestic violence.”

He noted that Pernik is one of the first regions in the country to develop an effective coordination model and expressed gratitude:

“Your expertise and commitment made it possible to create a document that ensures a real and timely response.”

After the regional governor’s remarks came the position of the local authorities, represented by Deputy Mayor Stefan Krastev, who emphasized the importance of municipal partnership in this process.

Stefan Krastev: “Pernik can be an example for the country.”

The Deputy Mayor of Pernik, Stefan Krastev, highlighted the synchronized work of the institutions:

“Just 20 days after the adoption of the national mechanism, we are already building on it in our region. This shows commitment and vision.”

He stressed the importance of partnership with the nongovernmental sector:

“Only through joint efforts can we address a problem as significant as domestic violence.”

After the deputy mayor’s remarks, the position of the local self-government was further supplemented by the Chair of the Municipal Council, Denislav Zakhariyev, who emphasized the importance of the long-standing partnership with the PULSE Foundation:

“The PULSE Foundation is a social phenomenon, created in Pernik but recognized throughout the country. You embody the motto on our coat of arms — ‘Union makes strength.’”

Maryana Evtimova — lawyer and executive chair of the PULSE Foundation — addressed those who present with words of gratitude for the joint work and shared dedication over the years. She placed emphasis on the client-centered approach:

“At the heart of our work lies the understanding that every woman, every child, and every person who has experienced violence has their own individual story, their own needs, and their own pace of recovery. The protection of human rights begins with care and accessibility.”

Evtimova also touched on the need to follow the internationally recognized “gold standard”:

„To fully guarantee the protection of human rights, including protection from domestic violence — a problem of pandemic proportions worldwide — we must follow the four Ps: PREVENTION, PROTECTION, (legal) PROSECUTION, and integrated POLICIES.“

She emphasized that the updated mechanism in Pernik is a practical implementation of this standard.

During the event, Asya Aleksandrova — director of the “Tatyana Arsova” Center for Social Rehabilitation and Integration — and Aksiniya Yordanova — director of the Crisis Center — presented their extensive experience in coordinated work on cases of violence. The organization, created more than 25 years ago in Pernik, initiated the first Regional Mechanism in 2016, established due to the need for a faster, clearer, and more coordinated response among institutions.

The team representatives explained how the idea emerged from real practice — direct contact with victims, field work, and the necessity for institutions to act in sync to ensure safety.

They emphasized that the multidisciplinary approach that led to Pernik’s successes is a model proven to reduce risk for victims and to ensure faster and more adequate protection.

The author of the new Regional Coordination Mechanism, Assist. Prof. Dr. Blagorodna Makeva: “The Regional Mechanism is an upgrade.”

Assist. Prof. Dr. Blagorodna Makeva, author of the updated document, presented a clear and detailed comparison between the new national mechanism and the regional mechanism for Pernik.

She explained:

• The National Mechanism sets the frameworks and principles.
• The Regional Mechanism adapts them to real fieldwork.
• The signing of the Memorandum makes the system more flexible, clearer, and case-oriented.

“The Regional Mechanism is the practical face of the national one. It turns principles into actions adapted to the needs of the people of Pernik — all in accordance with the legal powers of each institutional partner.”

Zornitsa Shumanova, National Coordinator for Domestic Violence at the General Directorate “National Police” – Prevention Directorate, Ministry of Interior, emphasized the role of the mechanism as a bridge between national policy and regional practice:

“The system works when we work together. The Regional Mechanism is a key step toward strengthening the system for protection, prevention, and support for victims.”

Pernik once again sets an example for the country: when efforts are united, protection is more effective, support is more accessible, and victims are better safeguarded.

The signing of the updated Memorandum is not only a formal act but also an expression of confidence that joint work makes the system more effective, humane, and sustainable.

We express our gratitude to all institutions that actively participated in reviewing, developing, and signing the document, as well as to the partners who demonstrate daily that coordination saves lives.

The event took place within the framework of the project “Strong Together: Network for the Protection and Support of Women and Girls Affected by Violence”, with the support of the Bulgarian Fund for Women and the European Union.

Photo credit: Kiril Kirilov /KIK/

This publication was produced with financial support provided by the Bulgarian Women's Fund and the European Union. The views and opinions expressed are those of the P.U.L.S. Foundation only and do not necessarily reflect those of the BWF, the EU, the European Commission's Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers or the EC. Neither the BWF, the EU nor the EC and its bodies can be held.