Legal Framework

Bulgaria’s Protection Against Domestic Violence Act provides legal mechanisms to protect victims of domestic violence. The law covers physical, sexual, emotional, and economic abuse committed by a family member or partner. Both Bulgarian citizens and foreign nationals residing in Bulgaria are protected under this law.

Who Is Protected?

The law protects individuals who have experienced violence from:

• A spouse or former spouse
• A partner or former partner (including cohabiting couples)
• A parent or child
• A sibling or other relative
• A guardian or person in a caretaking relationship

The definition of domestic violence includes:

• Physical violence — hitting, pushing, restraining
• Psychological violence — threats, intimidation, humiliation, controlling behavior
• Sexual violence — any non-consensual sexual act
• Economic violence — controlling finances, preventing access to resources, damaging property
• Stalking and harassment by a current or former partner

How to Obtain a Protection Order

Step 1: File an Application

The victim (or certain authorized persons) files a written application with the District Court where the victim resides. The application must include:

• Description of the violent acts committed
• Date and circumstances of the violence
• Evidence — medical certificates, police reports, witness statements, photos
• The protective measures requested

Who Can File?

• The victim directly
• A parent or guardian on behalf of a minor or incapacitated person
• The director of the Social Assistance Directorate
• A sibling or other relative in certain cases

Deadline for Filing

The application must be filed within one month of the most recent act of violence.

Step 2: Immediate Protection

In urgent cases, the court can issue an immediate temporary protection order within 24 hours of receiving the application, without hearing the other party. This order remains in effect until the full hearing.

Step 3: Court Hearing

The court schedules a hearing within 30 days of the application. Both parties have the opportunity to present evidence and arguments. The court then decides whether to issue a protection order.

Protective Measures

The court can order one or more of the following:

• Restraining the abuser from committing further violence
• Removing the abuser from the shared home
• Prohibiting the abuser from approaching the victim, their home, workplace, and children’s school
• Temporary custody of children to the victim
• Mandatory counseling or treatment program for the abuser
• Fine of BGN 200 to BGN 1,000

The protection order is valid for up to 18 months and can be renewed if the threat continues.

Enforcement

• Violation of a protection order is a criminal offense punishable by up to 3 years imprisonment and a fine of BGN 5,000
• The police are required to enforce the order and respond to reports of violations
• The victim can report violations to the police or directly to the court

Support for Foreign Victims

Foreign nationals in Bulgaria have the same legal protections as Bulgarian citizens. Additional resources include:

• Embassy or consulate assistance for citizens of foreign countries
• Legal aid — victims of domestic violence may qualify for free legal representation
• Shelters — crisis centers providing temporary accommodation and support
• Hotlines — the national domestic violence hotline provides information and referrals in multiple languages

Foreign victims should know that:

• You are protected regardless of immigration status
• Reporting domestic violence will not lead to deportation
• You can apply for protection even if your residence depends on the abuser’s status

Evidence Collection

To strengthen your protection order application:

• Report to the police — file a report as soon as possible after an incident
• Seek medical attention — obtain a medical certificate documenting injuries
• Keep records — save threatening messages, emails, and voicemails
• Identify witnesses — neighbors, friends, or family members who observed the violence
• Photograph injuries and damaged property with timestamps

Seek Legal Help in Troyan

If you are experiencing domestic violence, legal protection is available. Attorney Biser Dimov in Troyan handles protection order applications with sensitivity and urgency, helping both Bulgarian and foreign victims secure court protection. Contact us for immediate confidential assistance.