556 Criminal Cases of Domestic Violence Investigated in 2021: What Incidents Were Recorded

In 2021, the Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia investigated 556 criminal cases related to domestic violence under the relevant articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia. Of these cases, 13 were investigated for murder under Article 104, 1 for the murder of a newborn child by the mother under Article 106, and 1 for causing death through negligence under Article 109.

Additional charges included 5 cases for driving someone to suicide (Article 110), 2 cases for inciting suicide (Article 111), 12 cases for intentionally causing severe harm to health (Article 112), 7 cases for causing moderate harm (Article 113), and 30 cases for causing minor harm (Article 117). Other significant charges included 285 cases of assault (Article 118), 23 for causing severe physical pain or mental suffering (Article 119), and 1 case for causing moderate harm through negligence (Article 121), among others.

Of the 556 criminal cases, 129 concluded with indictments, and 135 individuals were sent to court. Three cases were referred to the court for the application of compulsory medical measures. Proceedings on 252 cases were terminated, with 112 being acquitted and 140 not acquitted. Proceedings on 31 cases were suspended, with 17 pending the search for the perpetrator and 14 due to the perpetrator being unknown. Eight cases were referred as jurisdictional, 53 were consolidated, and 80 were forwarded to 2022.

A total of 272 individuals were involved as defendants in these cases, among which 8 were between 14 and 18 years old, 113 were between 18 and 35, and 151 were older than 35. Eight defendants had previous convictions.

Regarding crimes committed in families, 19 were perpetrated by mothers, 12 of which were against underage children. Additionally, 27 were committed by fathers, with 16 against underage children. There were also offenses involving stepmothers, stepfathers, siblings, children (including adopted), and spousal violence.

In total, 485 individuals were recognized as victims in these criminal cases, including 54 who were under 12 years old, 12 between 12-14, 11 between 14-16, 8 between 16-18, 181 between 18-35, and 219 who were older than 35.