The Istanbul Convention is not targeted against the foundations of traditional Armenian family, psychiatrist, psychologist Aram Hovsepyan told reporters.

The expert explained that the document’s goal is to protect against different forms of violence, including threats and rape. Hovsepyan noted that the Convention is not contradicting the Armenian legislation. However, some people who do not believe that their brutal actions are manifestation of the physical and psychological violence, might be concerned.

The expert said that once the Convention is ratified, those people would have to curb their impulses and realize that they cause real harm to people through their actions.

Unlike the Criminal Code, which sets punishment for criminal acts, the Istanbul Convention aims to provide victims with adequate protection. Thus, as per Hovsepyan, the speculations that the Istanbul Convention is directed against the foundations of the traditional Armenian family are not substantiated. In this regard, he called to take into account experts’ views.

The Istanbul Convention is the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence. The document was signed by 46 countries and the European Union. The Istanbul Convention was signed by Armenia on January 18, 2018, and came into effect in neighboring Georgia on September 1, 2017.