The Armenian government today decided to create an advisory council to explore measures designed to prevent domestic violence in the country and to protect the rights and wellbeing of those subjected to it.

The council, proposed by Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Maneh Tandilyan, will be tasked with drafting a comprehensive government policy regarding domestic violence that will propose new legislation and conduct greater public information on the matter.

The council will be comprised of one representative each from the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, Ministry of Healthcare, Ministry of Education and Science, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Territorial Governance and Development, the Police, Investigative Committee, General Prosecutor’s Office, and the Human Rights Defender’s Office.