Laura Nelson, Genoveva Tisheva (BGRF), Loretta Frederick, Cheryl Thomas, Mary Louise Klas, Scott Jenkins, Penny Jenkins

A team of The Advocates Women’s Program staff members and volunteers returned to Bulgaria May 20–27, 2006 for a second week of training for judges and police on further implementation of that country’s new domestic violence law (enacted in March, 2005).  Joining staff members Cheryl Thomas and Laura Nelson were retired Ramsey County Judge Mary Louise Klas, attorney Loretta Frederick of the Battered Women’s Justice Project, and Sgt. Scott Jenkins of the Duluth Police Department.  The trainings have been facilitated by our long-time regional

Bulgarian judges in small group discussion at training

partner, the Bulgarian Gender Research Foundation.

The team trained approximately 30 judges for two days and then approximately 60 police officers for two days.  The participants represented communities from all over Bulgaria; many had participated in the first training in November, 2005. Building on the foundation laid in November and upon the experiences of the participants, the trainings addressed the logistics of implementing the domestic violence law while focusing on the goals of the law: safety for the victim and accountability for the perpetrator. 

Sgt. Scott Jenkins training with Bulgarian police

The training sessions revealed significant progress in addressing domestic violence in Bulgaria.  Police, judges and advocates shared examples of how the new law has changed the lives of domestic violence victims.  One judge reported that there have been over 100 Orders for Protection issued pursuant to the new law in the city of Burgas – in just over 1 year since the passage of the law.  While there are still substantial obstacles for victims of violence who seek help from the legal system, this new law is being used effectively to provide safety and hope for many women.