Domestic Violence Reform: Between Law and Reality

Following the adoption of amendments to Bulgaria’s Domestic Violence Protection Act (DVPA) in 2023 and 2024, institutions pledged a new era of support for victims. The law expanded protective measures, eased access to legal aid, and introduced a coordination mechanism between social, police, and judicial services.

Rising Awareness, Uneven Protection

Data from 2024 and early 2025 show more victims are seeking help – over 5,000 restraining orders were issued and more than 60 people received legal aid in the first months of the year. This reflects growing trust in the system – at least on paper.

But serious problems remain: core tools like the risk assessment methodology and the coordination mechanism are still nonfunctional, and implementation varies drastically between regions.

Three Scenarios for 2026

Optimistic scenario: Improved institutional coordination and better staff training lead to timely interventions and prevention of recidivism. Courts work predictably, and NGOs provide meaningful support to victims.

Realistic scenario: Gradual improvements, but with regional disparities. Urban areas see progress, but rural victims remain vulnerable due to a lack of crisis centers and trained personnel.

Pessimistic scenario: Bureaucratic inertia and lack of oversight render the reforms ineffective. Victims face slow processes and poor institutional support, increasing the risk of retraumatization.

Will the System Deliver?

The legal changes signal political intent to act. But without working mechanisms, funding, and oversight, the law may remain symbolic. 2026 will show if protection becomes real security.

Disclaimer: This article is an analytical review by the editorial team of BurgasMedia and reflects the opinion of an expert group based on current political, economic, and social developments. The conclusions are hypothetical interpretations of potential scenarios, not forecasts or factual statements. BurgasMedia is not responsible for future changes and encourages readers to form their own opinion based on verified sources.