On January 21, 22 2009 Women’s Rights Center organized training on “Gender-based violence” with UNHCR’s Implementing Partners as well as refugees and asylum seekers in Armenia in the framework of UNHCR project “Sexual and gender based violence among refugees and asylum seekers in Armenia”.
The trainings were conducted by WRC Service Coordinator Ts. Karapetyan and psychologist A. Kokhaeva.

On the first day 16 women refugees and asylum seekers in Armenia participated in the training. Most widespread types of gender-based violence, domestic violence and trafficking in women and girls were introduced to and discussed with the participants. The causes and consequences of the problem and, in particular, the impact that it can have on the families and the victims in the aftermath of the violence were particularly emphasized. Participants mentioned the importance of the training that provided them with an opportunity to be informed about their rights and various organizations and structures that can be approached in case of need.

The training for a number of NGOs and representatives of the State Migration Agency of the Ministry of Territorial Administration of RA was carried out the next day. During the training main emphasis was again made on the issue of domestic violence against women and trafficking in women and girls as the most widespread types of gender-based violence. Participants were actively involved in the discussions, participated in the practical exercises and presented actions of their organizations undertaken in case of facing with the issue. Participants stressed the importance of taking preventive measures against domestic violence, and developing legal system for the victims of domestic violence.