Day: April 16, 2024

The Pan Armenian Council of the Western United States is profoundly dismayed by and strongly condemns the recent destructive arson at the Ararat Armenian Cemetery in Fresno, where eight trees near the cemetery’s historic gates were set ablaze in the early morning hours of Saturday, April 13.

The Ararat Cemetery holds the distinction of being the oldest Armenian cemetery in the United States, serving as the final resting place for hundreds of Armenians since the 19th century including renowned figures Soghomon Tehlirian and William Saroyan.

Every year on April 24th, the cemetery is purposed as a safe gathering place for the community at large to solemnly commemorate the anniversary of the 1915 Armenian Genocide, during which more than 1.5 million Armenians were systematically massacred and displaced from their ancestral lands by Ottoman Turks. Beyond remembering the victims, these annual gatherings also function as demonstrations, urging the global community to recognize the genocide that both Turkey and Azerbaijan actively deny to this day.

It’s deeply concerning that this recent fire occurred just eleven days before Ararat Cemetery observes this year’s Armenian Genocide commemoration—and more disturbingly, that it’s the sixth incident of its kind since January of this year. These repeated acts of arson have set aflame nineteen trees so far, causing significant and costly damage to the cemetery’s oldest sections. 

Ignoring this recurring pattern would be gravely irresponsible. The Pan-Armenian Council strongly urges federal, state, and Fresno’s local authorities to immediately undertake a comprehensive investigation and act decisively to apprehend the responsible culprit(s). We emphasize that the frequency, severity, and similarity of these incidents at the Ararat Armenian Cemetery necessitate a serious consideration of these crimes as deliberate acts of vandalism and hate crime.

Listed below are the member organizations of the Pan Armenian Council of the Western United States (PAC-WUSA).

All-Armenian Student Association
Armenian Assembly of America
Armenian Bar Association
Armenian Catholic Eparchy of Our Lady of Nareg of North America
Armenian Democratic Liberal Party (Ramgavar) Western USA
Armenian Educational Foundation
Armenian Evangelical Union of North America
Armenian General Benevolent Union, Western District
Armenian International Women’s Organization
Armenian Missionary Association of America
Armenian National Committee of America, Western Region
Armenian Relief Society of Western USA
Armenian Revolutionary Federation of Western USA
Armenian Rights Council of America Western USA
Armenian Society of Los Angeles – Iranahay Miutyun
Armenian Youth Association of California – Irakahay Miutyun
Armenian Youth Federation of Western USA
Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society of the Western USA
Homenetmen Western USA
Iraqi Armenian Family Association of Los Angeles
Kessab Educational Association
Organization of Istanbul Armenians
Service Employees International Union – Armenian Caucus
Southern California Armenian Democrats
Tekeyan Cultural Association
Unified Young Armenians
Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America
Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America

On April 12, Armenia’s National Assembly made history by approving a comprehensive set of amendments to the Law on Prevention of Domestic Violence, Protection of Persons Subjected to Domestic Violence, and Restoration of Peace in the Family. This groundbreaking move represents the first significant overhaul of the law since its adoption in 2017. 

The amendments offer a robust framework for addressing domestic violence, with provisions aimed at providing greater protection and support to survivors. The amended law reflects a commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of all individuals affected by domestic violence by offering clearer definitions of abuse, enhanced legal protections for children who witness violence, expanded medical care for victims and stronger measures to hold perpetrators of violence accountable for their crimes. 

Armenia has made remarkable progress since gaining independence in 1991 in addressing domestic violence. For decades, this issue was shrouded in taboo, misconception and stereotypes that further victimized those experiencing abuse.

A sign at the gates of Armenian Parliament reads “Approve the law against domestic violence” (Photo: Change.org)

Grassroots activism, civil society protests and advocacy, alongside pressure from the European Union, led the government to adopt the Law on Prevention of Domestic Violence, Protection of Persons Exposed to Domestic Violence, and Restoration of Peace in the Family in 2017. The law was imperfect but served as a crucial initial step toward progress. 

In 2022, members of Parliament Zaruhi Batoyan, Sona Ghazaryan and Tsovinar Vardanyan led a bill aimed at amending this crucial legislation and related laws. The Women’s Support Center, Armenia’s leading domestic violence center, played a pivotal role in crafting the bill by presenting a comprehensive package of proposals to its authors, most of which were incorporated into the final legislation. Two years of discussions ensued among state and non-state actors before the amendments were passed in Parliament.

Transformative impact of the new domestic violence legislation

• Comprehensive definitions of all forms of domestic violence

By offering clearer and more comprehensive definitions of domestic violence, the amendments ensure that all forms of abuse are properly recognized and addressed. Survivors who seek refuge at the Women’s Support Center recount harrowing experiences of being trapped in their own homes, subjected to constant surveillance and denied basic freedoms and medical care. Unfortunately, the previous legal framework fell short in adequately responding to these realities, with only a handful of cases addressing severe mental suffering. This highlights the urgent need for precise and inclusive definitions around domestic violence.

• Emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility

One of the most important aspects of these amendments is the emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility. Regardless of marital status or sexual orientation, all individuals impacted by domestic violence are entitled to equal rights and protections under the law. In Armenia, a considerable portion of marriages remain unofficially registered, and domestic violence frequently occurs within intimate or dating partnerships. Now, victims in these circumstances can be offered protections. Additionally, the law now requires shelters to be accessible, ensuring that no survivor is left behind and signaling a commitment to a more inclusive and supportive society. 

• Stronger sanctions for perpetrators of domestic violence

Stricter language around police-issued emergency protective orders and increased accountability for perpetrators have also been introduced. Consequently, the revised criminal code includes more substantial fines, sanctions and prison sentences tailored to the severity of the offense, sending a clear message to the public that domestic violence is a serious crime. The amendments specify that perpetrators targeting vulnerable and marginalized groups, such as people with disabilities, will face even harsher sanctions, demonstrating a commitment to protecting all members of our community. Additionally, the amendments outline specific consequences for repeat offenders, signaling a firm stance that repeated acts of violence will be met with swift and decisive punishment. By ensuring that perpetrators face tougher penalties and sanctions, we firmly declare that domestic violence has no place in our society.

• Investment in domestic violence prevention and training

Beyond immediate response and protection, the amendments also prioritize prevention efforts and professionalized training for law enforcement to strengthen the capacity of first responders. In doing so, Armenia is taking proactive steps towards creating a society where domestic violence is not tolerated.

In essence, these amendments represent a significant milestone in Armenia’s journey towards addressing domestic violence. They embody the collective efforts of advocates, lawmakers and survivors to create a more just and compassionate society for all. As we celebrate this progress, let us recommit ourselves to the ongoing work of building a future where every individual can thrive free from violence and fear. We need strong legislation, coupled with a societal reckoning that domestic violence should not be tolerated, to end this practice.

Author information

Ani Jilozian

Ani Jilozian is a women’s rights advocate with a master’s degree in global public health from the Icahn School of Public Health at Mount Sinai. Ani works as Director of Development at the Women’s Support Center, the premiere domestic violence center in Armenia. In her role at the Center, Ani has led gender-based violence programming and published research studies that examine gender-based violence, women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights, and gender politics in Armenia. She is also involved in high-level advocacy and has contributed to shadow and alternative reports.

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