No More Shame "Amot" - Stopping the Tide of Domestic Violence in Armenia
Sunday, May 12
12:00pm EST/ 9:00am PST
DESCRIPTION:
Armenia passed a domestic violence law in 2017 in response to pressure from the European Union and women's rights advocates in Armenia and the diaspora. There have been many limitations in the law and law enforcement has been passive about in its handling of domestic violence, a taboo subject in Armenia and the diaspora.
The Armenian Bar Association, in collaboration with AIWA, AIWA UN, Women's Support Center, and numerous supporting organizations in Armenia and Diaspora, are taking serious steps to address the limitations in, and enforcement of, Armenia's domestic violence law. This panel will discuss the net benefit to survivors under the new criminal law and any shortcomings, as well as non-legal efforts being undertaken to save lives, meaningfully protect survivors, and increase the nation's awareness about domestic violence.
ZOOM LINK
https://us02web.zoom.us/w/82922672122?tk=Y58kNa7GsYGWdxuaI0uF2D-pMhnMjwtc0l3OtwBQr6g.DQMAAAATTpOP-hZ0LXc5aThWU1N5NmxhVXYzanJqV293AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA&uuid=WN_OJ8GJhysQNCMaoBJ1HuLmA
FEATURED GUESTS
Maro Matosian (Moderator) - Executive Director, Women’s Support Center, Yerevan
In 2010, Women’s Support Center (WSC) in Yerevan started with a pilot grant from Tufenkian Foundation, AIWA and USAID to assist and empower women victims of domestic violence. As its Executive Director, Maro Matosian expanded the program to advocate for the defense of women’s rights in Armenia and in 2011 also opened a shelter for domestic violence victims and for the first time introduced international standards and methodology in Armenia providing comprehensive assistance to victims of DV. As one of the founding member of the Coalition to Stop Violence against Women, Maro is dedicated to the advancement of the status of women in Armenia.
Tina Glandian (AIWA UN Rep/ Host) - Attorney, Geragos & Geragos, NYC
Tina Glandian joined the AV Preeminent law firm of Geragos & Geragos in 2005. Among its notable cases, the firm prosecuted a pair of groundbreaking federal class action lawsuits against New York Life and AXA Corporation for insurance policies issued in the early 20th century during the Armenian Genocide, eventually settling these two cases for more than $37.5 million.
Karine Davtyan Amirbekyan - President, Women’s Rights House NGO, Gyumri
Karine Davtyan Amirbekyan serves as President of the Women's Rights House (WRH) NGO, Gyumri. She is an attorney who is an active member of several committees, coalitions, and networks involved in civic advocacy, human rights, and community development. Ms. Davtyan Amirbekyan has led numerous training sessions and conducted public speaking engagements on various human rights topics in Armenia. In addition to her managerial responsibilities, she offers legal counseling to WRH beneficiaries and others dealing with domestic and sexual violence or discrimination in the workplace and other spheres.
Zaruhi Mejlumyan - Judicial lawyer, Office of Prosecutors, RA
Zaruhi Mejlumyan is a judicial lawyer, a researcher, a legal expert, and an investigative journalist. She is a Member of the Office of Prosecutors of the Republic of Armenia, Director of “Your Defense” Legal Office, “Women Support Center” program Criminal Lawyer, “Armenian Program for Innocence” program Vice-President. Ms. Mejlumyan served as the Chief Officer for the Department of Media and Communications of the National Surveillance Service of the Republic of Armenia. She won multiple awards for her dedicated work, such as Free Media-2017 International Competitions in Germany and Norway, Media Excellence by International community.
Ruben Stepanian - Administrative Law Judge, Trials and Hearings, NYC
Ruben Stepanian is a New York divorce and family law attorney and is an Administrative Law Judge at New York City’s Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings. He is an active member of the New York State Bar Association and its Committee on Families and the Law; the Armenian Bar Association; the Kings County Bar Association; the Queens County Bar Association and is an Arbitrator on Queens County’s Part 137 Fee Dispute Resolution Panel.
