CHALLENGES AND GAPS IN ARMENIA’S RESPONSE TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

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medical expenses are partly covered by Takuhi and the nonprofit organization assisting her. However, this should be the responsibility of the government.” Representative of Women’s Resource Center NGO

Primary Health Care for Victims Fleeing Abuse To escape abuse and for safety reasons, victims of domestic violence may urgently leave their home to find refuge at the shelter for victims of domestic violence or with their relatives. After moving to a safe place which usually is in another province, the victim may need primary health care services. Decision N 420-N of the RA Government51 refers to the procedure for selection of the primary care doctor near the person’s residence. According to Decision N 420-N, a change in the primary health care doctor and medical institution requires a transfer form accompanied by the patient’s medical card. The transfer card would indicate the new address where the patient has moved. Disclosing this information is a breach of confidentiality and can jeopardize the safety of the DV victim. Additionally, beneficiaries coming to the shelter from regions far from the shelter without such transfer of documents cannot benefit

51 See Decision N 420-N On approval of the Procedure of Selection of the Doctor Providing Primary Health Care Services and the Population Registration Procedure, https://www.arlis. am/DocumentView.aspx?docid=64108.

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