Justice Minister Judit Varga said Hungary’s government is committed to taking a tough stand against violent crime and devotes special attention to helping victims of domestic violence.
Marking the UN’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the minister said the government has implemented a support system offering domestic violence victims psychological assistance, legal support, general information or immediate financial assistance in a time of crisis. Hungary has also recently set up a network of victim support centers and the goal is to have such an institution in every county seat by 2025, Minister Varga said. A 24-hour hotline is also available to those in need, she added. Varga encouraged people to speak out and seek professional help if they are victims of a crime or know someone who is.
Meanwhile, Katalin Novák, the family affairs minister, said domestic violence was not a private affair, and that it was “our common duty” to raise awareness in the matter. “All forms of violence, including domestic violence, are unacceptable, and perpetrators are always the ones responsible, not the victims,” Novák said.
Photo credit: Facebook/Varga Judit