In the case of Hasmik Khachatryan v. Armenia the Court held that there had been a violation of the prohibition of inhuman or degrading treatment/investigation as concerned the legislative and regulatory framework, and the State’s obligation to respond adequately to reports of domestic violence and to carry out an effective investigation.

The case concerned severe domestic violence inflicted on the applicant by her common-law husband. Although he had been convicted, he was ultimately exempted from serving his sentence.

In addition, the Court concluded that there was an obligation under Article 3 of the Convention for States to enable the victims of domestic violence to claim compensation in respect of non-pecuniary damage from the perpetrator.

• Press release
• Key theme: Domestic violence