By Elena Dimitrova

Online violence is no longer a novel concept, but it remains under-recognized in Bulgaria. It is far less often prosecuted by law, which is quite incomprehensible to victims’ relatives. For many girls and women, digital bullying is more than “unpleasant messaging”; it is a means for them to be controlled and live in fear.

In 2023, nearly 46,000 reports of online violence against children were submitted to the Bulgarian Safer Internet Center. They mainly involved girls between the ages of 10 and 14.

According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO) for 2024, one in six children in our country has been a victim of online bullying. Bulgaria also came in first place in terms of the number of reports submitted to the International Association of Internet Hotlines (INHOPE) network for the past year.

For institutions, the topic is still partially invisible, especially if a case doesn’t involve direct threats or the distribution of intimate materials. Therefore, the first line of support is often non-governmental organizations, which not only respond but also help with the long-term recovery of victims.

What is cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is a type of harassment that occurs online — on social networks and online platforms. It can be expressed in the distribution of photos, sending offensive messages or threats, and more.

However, online bullying is often not isolated, occurring in parallel with face-to-face harassment.

“For example, a woman who is already a victim of physical or psychological violence by a partner may be blackmailed into sharing her intimate photos. This is not just a threat, but a mechanism for maintaining fear and submission,” the Animus Association Foundation, which maintains a hotline for victims of domestic violence, told sCOOL Media.

The consequences can be severe, from anxiety and depression to social withdrawal and self-harm. Sometimes the biggest challenge for victims is not stopping the harassment but regaining control of their lives — returning to school or work or simply not being afraid to use their phone.

In the digital environment, some platforms pose a particularly high risk to children and adolescents, especially girls. Telegram, for example, has established itself as one of the most problematic online spaces. There, hundreds of thousands of cases where sexually exploitative content of children was distributed have been identified in recent years.

But the risk is not limited to this platform alone. Fake profiles created by adults with criminal intent can be found on social networks such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, WhatsApp, Messenger and Discord, where perpetrators pose as victims’ peers in order to gain their trust.

A worrying recent trend is the increasingly young girls who create profiles on platforms such as OnlyFans, an online network for paid, often intimate content. This exposes children at a young age to serious risks of sexual exploitation.

What about online harassment reports?

The National Network for Children (NNC), an umbrella organization for the protection of children’s rights, is actively engaged in combating online harassment against girls.

They told sCOOL Media that reports of violence are distributed to the safenet.bg hotline and consultation service. These are managed by experts and volunteers who provide support to child victims. They process the reports and, if necessary, send them to the cybercrime division of the General Directorate for Combating Organized Crime (GDCOC) at the Ministry of Interior (MoI).

When they receive a report, Animus specialists work in three parallel directions — psychological support, legal consultation and reporting to institutions such as the GDCOC, agencies for social assistance and the police. Although the content often cannot be removed immediately, in some cases the reactions are quick and effective.

“We have real cases where the perpetrator has been identified and sanctioned. But the greatest success is not in the courtroom, but when a woman begins to communicate freely and not be afraid again,” Animus adds.

Systemic gaps

According to these two NGOs, the main obstacles to addressing online violence are:

• the slow reaction of institutions;
• the lack of a clear regulation for removing content that constitutes harassment;
• insufficient coordination between the MoI, prosecutors and social services;
• shame and fear among victims, who often do not seek help out of concern about how they will be received.

“The most difficult thing is that technologies are developing much faster than legislation, the state or institutions can react. New applications, new forms of violence and fraud appear literally every month,” Georgi Elenkov, Director of Children’s Policies at the NNC, tells sCOOL Media. 

“There is immense distrust among children about whether institutions will listen to them, understand them or protect them effectively. Often families and schools are not prepared to face the problem, and sometimes children themselves are even blamed. This makes the work of prevention and support even more complicated.”

sCOOL Media sent questions on the topic to the Ministry of Justice, the MoI and the cybercrime division at the GDCOC. By the time the editorial work on this article was completed, we had not received any answers.

The solution

Without changes at the institutional level or the development of a long-term strategy, online bullying against young girls is a problem that cannot be solved permanently.

Until then, NNC specialists are advocating for much-needed family support. They want to remind children that victims of online bullying are not to blame.

“The responsibility always lies with the person doing the bullying. Don’t let the problem remain only with you — tell a parent, teacher or friend and immediately report it to safenet.bg,” the organization advises.

As next steps, Georgi Elenkov outlines:

“Keep evidence, such as screenshots of photos and chats, which will help institutions counteract violence. And know that you can get help, even when you’re feeling scared or desperate, support is only a chat away. Prevention is not a one-and-done initiative; it requires constant dialogue, and girls have to know that there is always someone to support them.”

Online violence against women and girls is not a “virtual problem”. It is real violence with real consequences. There is still no clear, working protection system in Bulgaria.

But NGOs like Animus and the NNC are filling the systemic gaps left by the state every day. And while cases of online harassment continue to increase, they are the voice and support for those who are still wondering whether anyone will hear them.

Funded under the project “Youth Against Disinformation” of the OPEN SPACE Foundation (OSF), implemented in partnership with the Association of European Journalists in Bulgaria (AEJ-Bulgaria), with the support of the British Council in Bulgaria. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of OSF, AEJ-Bulgaria, or the British Council in Bulgaria. Neither OSF, AEJ-Bulgaria, nor the British Council in Bulgaria can be held responsible for them.

By Natalie Petrova

Online spaces are where teens can communicate, learn and find entertainment. But sometimes they become a platform for pressure, manipulation and fear. This is a true story that happened very recently in a Bulgarian school.

How did it all begin?

“My daughter was only 13 when she started texting a boy on Instagram. He was older, in ninth grade. She thought it was romantic at first — they texted every day, shared secrets. But at one point he asked for something that shocked her — he demanded naked photos,” says Veronika, Alexandra’s mother (names have been changed).

The girl refused, but she sent him photos in a swimsuit anyway. Soon after, the threats began: “If you don’t have sex with me, I’m going to send your photos to everyone at school.” Despite her fear, Alexandra showed courage and blocked the boy. But the photos were now beyond her control. They started getting shared in chats between students.

“A younger girl made a collage of the photos and fabricated a price list for sexual services. It was already a nightmare. Not only for my daughter, but for all of us as a family,” the mother says.

Teachers, the police and child protection were involved in the case. An investigation was launched, and the parents insisted that their daughter receive psychological support. “She refused to leave the house. She was afraid that someone was lying in wait for her. As parents, we were powerless and looked everywhere for help,” says Veronika.

The case did not remain hidden for long. After the photos began to circulate, another incident occurred at the school which coincidentally revealed this story as well. The teachers alerted parents, then the police.

“We went through everything — meetings with the school administration, conversations in the specialized room for children [at the police station] and with child protection. We gave statements to the police. It was important for this not to be swept under the rug,” says the mother.

The investigation found that the boy had distributed the swimsuit photos but had not participated in making the offensive collage. The girl who was guilty of this turned out to have done similar things before. All the evidence was handed over to the prosecutor’s office, but since the photos were not nude, the case was not classified as a crime.

“I received a letter that the act was not considered a crime in the legal sense. But for us as parents, it was a crime — against the dignity of my daughter,” she told us.

Rather than criminal proceedings, corrective educational measures were imposed on the children, including mandatory visits to the specialized room for children during the summer, as well as consultations with a psychologist. The school, in turn, gave them disciplinary sanctions: the students were obliged to attend psychotherapy sessions.

Alexandra’s story shows that even when institutions intervene, the process can be slow and there are loopholes in the law. In order to understand what the real consequences are for children and ways we can protect them, we consulted with specialists.

“Such situations in children aged 12–13 are extremely sensitive, because at this age they’re still establishing a personality and system of values,” says Milena Slavkova, a psychologist at the Regional Center for Support of the Inclusive Education Process, Sofia Region.

Children may feel shame, guilt and fear. They can socially withdraw, carrying the risk of long-term effects on their self-esteem and relationships. Therefore, it’s important to receive family support, work with specialists to restore self-esteem and build trusting relationships with parents. In parallel, kids should be directed towards healthy expression and ways to gain affirmation, not by displaying their bodies but through personal qualities and skills.

“Parents should actively monitor and manage access to social networks to prevent repeated risky situations,” Slavkova commented.

According to psychologists, children often feel fear and guilt even when they have done nothing wrong. The most important thing is to feel supported and understood, and parents should be the first people children turn to.

“The response should be comprehensive — from the school, parents and psychological support,” explains Inspector Stoyan Ivanov, who works in one of the specialized rooms for children. He believes that the law does not adequately address cases involving swimsuit photos like this one, but educational policies and rules set out by schools can limit such images being spread as well as protect other children.

The police officer emphasizes that this story exemplifies how vulnerable children are online. Since prevention is key, Inspector Ivanov offers some tips for staying safe on the Internet.

Kids:

• Never send intimate or nude photos; 
• If someone threatens you, immediately share this with an adult you trust; 
• Keep a record for evidence — photos, chats, screenshots; 
• Block and report the profile.

Parents:

• Talk openly about online risks, not by scaring your kids and without belittling them; 
• Build trust so that children can share without fear of punishment; 
• Monitor their behavior — mood swings, isolation and anxiety can signify a problem; 
• Seek psychological help at the first signs of trauma.

Where to seek help:

• National Children’s Hotline – 116 111;
• Police – Cybercrime Sector;
• State Agency for Child Protection;
• Psychological centers and NGOs working with youth.

 
Alexandra’s is not an isolated case. It shows that children are vulnerable on the Internet, and talking to parents and getting support from schools and institutions are the key to prevention. “I want my story to help other parents stay close to their children and not underestimate the dangers of the Internet,” says Veronika. Talking, listening and being there for them is the best protection.

Funded under the project “Youth Against Disinformation” of the OPEN SPACE Foundation (OSF), implemented in partnership with the Association of European Journalists in Bulgaria (AEJ-Bulgaria), with the support of the British Council in Bulgaria. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of OSF, AEJ-Bulgaria, or the British Council in Bulgaria. Neither OSF, AEJ-Bulgaria, nor the British Council in Bulgaria can be held responsible for them.

By Ivet Atanasova

Closed groups for gossip, anonymous messages and unconfirmed rumors, presented with extreme malice and cynicism. This is the latest trend among young people on social networks: closed pages on Instagram or public ones on TikTok.

There, the ones who don’t fit in are humiliated, called names and publicly condemned. They pay the price of others’ cruelty. One local example is an Instagram page labeled “klukite_na_silistra” [“Silistra gossip”].

At first glance, it seems like a profile or hashtag like any other. In reality, however, communities are formed behind people’s screens, where insults are exchanged as currency and slander becomes the main content.

The rules are clear — you can say and write anything, as long as it remains within the framework of the page. Access is limited, publications are visible only to approved followers, and information is spread at lightning speed, without the possibility of control from the outside. It is this isolation that makes such groups so dangerous: they operate under the radar of institutions, and there is no easy means to protect those affected.

In the virtual darkness, petty conflicts easily escalate. Someone posts a humiliating joke. Mocking comments and shares follow. Thus, personal disputes become a public spectacle that can have serious consequences for the young people affected.

sCOOL Media managed to enter a local gossip group known as klukite_na_silistra and talk to a girl who was the subject of posts there.

“Their words can ruin a person’s life”

Nicole* is 16 years old and a tenth grader. She learned about the student gossip pages last year. From the very beginning, she couldn’t accept the aggressive tone of the posts there, often exposing personal dramas.

One day, however, she received a message from a close friend with a link to a post on klukite_na_silistra, this time directed at Nicole herself. The post was offensive, the language was mocking and cynical, and its author was unknown. However, she has her suspicions about who was behind the post.

“This girl and I had been friends since seventh grade, but we had a fight. Then the attacks and verbal harassment began — she and her group were talking about me loudly during class, loud enough for me to hear. They called me ugly names, humiliated me in front of the others,” Nicole tells sCOOL Media.

A year later, the tension spilled over online with the offensive post on the Silistra gossip page. Reactions in the comments section were mixed, with most people taking Nicole’s side and defending her. This was the first moment when she didn’t feel completely alone against the hostility.

Then she sought out support — she talked to the principal, her parents, the mother of the other student and their class teacher. The adults’ intervention stopped the overt insults. But the problem didn’t disappear; it was simply redirected.

“When the attacks against me decreased, that aggression moved towards my friends. The girl continued to spread gossip on the page about my classmates and even teachers,” says Nicole.

“It is very ugly, but it is not the ugliest thing I have heard. Unfortunately, this is starting to become a common practice — seeking revenge or attention through social networks, sometimes for trivial reasons,” says Diana Hristova from the local commission for combating antisocial behavior of minors and juveniles at the Silistra Municipality, speaking about Nicole’s case.

“People hide behind the screen and feel too emboldened by that. They don’t realize that their words can destroy someone, a person’s life. Sometimes this escalates into systematic harassment that lasts for weeks or months,” she adds.

What are gossip pages good for?

In early February 2024, Zlatin* decided to create his own gossip page, inspired by an already popular one on Instagram, also related to the city of Silistra. In order to gain followers, he began following local students and gaining their trust.

The students responded in kind and gradually joined the group. As the creator, Zlatin’s identity remained a secret to all users. In just the first week, the page gathered nearly 100 followers. Messages to Zlatin came in one after another: “On average, I received about 30 items of gossip per week,” he told sCOOL Media.

“There was always a risk of whether the information was true. But the people writing in weren’t anonymous, so I knew who was behind the words. That way I could decide to publish them or not,” he shares.

The age of his followers ranged from fifth graders to high school seniors. Gradually, however, the initial enthusiasm waned, and after months of working behind the scenes, Zlatin decided to give up.

“I lost interest. In general, I don’t see any positives from these groups — there are only negatives,” he admits. And he adds:

“It was very sad to see how close friends started writing disgusting things behind each other’s backs. And I got disappointed when I read something rude — I even refused to upload it.”

How to react

“Unfortunately, there is no proven method for dealing with and preventing such harassment,” explains Nuray Osman, a psychologist at the St. Kliment Ohridski Primary and Secondary Education Center in the city of Silistra. According to her, summits can be held, cases can be discussed with students, and they can be trained in how to react, including by contacting teachers, specialists or emergency hotlines.

“The problem is that many of these groups are closed. This makes it difficult to react in a timely manner and leaves victims vulnerable, because the aggressors operate in an environment where there is no control or supervision,” Osman says.

According to experts, this problem does not depend only on the family. Bullies can appear both among children in families where domestic violence is present and among those with high social standing and exemplary parents. The decisive influence is often the surrounding environment — ​​neighbors, friends or classmates who support and encourage aggressive behavior. Therefore, although schools are actively working to prevent bullying, the possibility of timely intervention remains limited.

“It’s like giving a small child a knife or a gun and expecting them to learn to protect themselves. Impossible,” says Iskra Yordanova, a high school teacher and mother of a 14-year-old girl.

Although her relationship with her daughter is close, she admits that she sometimes doubts whether her daughter would mention it if something had been shared about her on social media. According to Yordanova, it is this fear that children will keep quiet even when they’re being hurt that makes virtual dangers so difficult for parents to manage.

To protect her, she limits her daughter’s access to mobile devices through special parental control apps. She explains that this is not distrust, but an attempt to establish a boundary in a world where risks are not always visible.

“I think I was even late in setting these rules. I myself didn’t have a phone at her age, and this deprived me of an experience that would be useful to me right now. In a sense, I have felt unprepared as a parent, as children are growing up in a world that is changing much faster than we are able to comprehend,” Yordanova admits.

She thinks the most difficult thing is the balance between wanting to provide freedom and trust and constant fears about the online space becoming a trap. She believes that any restrictions must go hand in hand with conversations and trust. After all, neither one nor the other separately is enough to protect teenagers from the dangers of social networks.

*Names have been changed to protect anonymity.

Funded under the project “Youth Against Disinformation” of the OPEN SPACE Foundation (OSF), implemented in partnership with the Association of European Journalists in Bulgaria (AEJ-Bulgaria), with the support of the British Council in Bulgaria. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of OSF, AEJ-Bulgaria, or the British Council in Bulgaria. Neither OSF, AEJ-Bulgaria, nor the British Council in Bulgaria can be held responsible for them.

By Borislava Popova

A consciousness capable of suppressing a primal human instinct. A successful lady who has long since achieved her ideal beauty standards. And a 12-year-old girl just crossing the threshold of her own femininity.

What do these three have in common? It lies somewhere between a little screen and the vast chasm of social media. It’s a perfect world which welcomes you only if you’re flawless. Or at least if your body is flawless.

“When I get hungry, it’s never time to eat. I always drink water.”

This is one of the many pieces of advice from the so-called “fitness influencers” that 15-year-old Alexandra* used to follow online. Every day, she would wake up with the dream of a certain number on the scale and make the decision to starve herself until she achieved it. And she was ready to go “all the way” to do so, without limits.

“That was my outlet. It felt like there were people out there like me, who understood me,” Alexandra tells sCOOL Media.

Now 16 years old, that period of her life is behind her. Yet the scars of those long months when she was living with an obsession over ​​the perfect body, as seen on TikTok and Instagram, remain — having neglected her own health to the point of developing anorexia.

Social media content like this has encouraged Alexandra and thousands of other girls like her to feel both pressure and longing for a version of unattainable perfection, expressed in an unhealthily thin body. For some, this perfection may be achievable, even realistic. But it always comes at the cost of your own health.

#SkinnyTok or hunger as a way of life

According to statistics, Bulgaria ranks sixth in the world in terms of time spent on TikTok for 2024, overtaking even the USA. 97% of young people in the world between the ages of 13 and 18 are active users of the platform.

These results reveal far more, however. They illustrate the daily lives of thousands of teenage girls who are still gaining a sense of their own self-esteem. Behind the numbers lie human lives beyond the digital space.

For 16-year-old Kalina,* it all started when she was just 12 and would spend entire days glued to social networks. Before long, she came across videos like “What I Eat in a Day” and “Beach Body in Just 20 Days” with thousands of views and comments.

The videos vary in content and start gaining popularity minutes after being uploaded. What unites them is #SkinnyTok: the hashtag representing a community in which young girls share videos with diet plans, tips for “quick weight loss” and the “perfect body” on a daily basis.

According to Proletina Ilcheva, an expert from the Bulgarian Safer Internet Center, “the lack of transparency in these videos gradually instills lifestyle dissatisfaction among girls”.

“Little by little, with each subsequent video, I began believing that I wasn’t good enough and that I had to change in order to measure up,” Kalina says.

She became increasingly convinced that the ideal femininity she sought was only possible if her body was extremely thin. Weight was no longer just a number in her mind; it was an indicator of her own value. For the 12-year-old girl, hunger was also an attempt to fit in:

“I was looking for approval, to be recognized as a worthy human because of my appearance,” says Kalina.

This echoes Alexandra’s words: “It felt like there were people out there like me, who understood me.” For her, the phone was a source of comfort and refuge from loneliness.

But what exactly is this virtual refuge?

#SkinnyTok is gradually becoming a global phenomenon. On TikTok, hashtags like #WhatIEatInADay and #BeachBody have over 15 billion views.

While this trend may be perceived in Bulgaria as some kind of distant phenomenon, in reality that isn’t the case.

A user logging onto TikTok in Bulgaria can immediately view a series of videos using easily understood language by foreign influencers as well as Bulgarian ones. For example, one post advises us to systematically reduce our calorie intake until we start losing weight.

In foreign-language posts, common messages include “Do you need a treat? What are you — a dog?” and “What you eat in private will be revealed in public.”

“These videos worked as motivation to keep depriving my body of food. They helped me normalize hunger,” Kalina says.

“Social networks instill the distorted idea that being thin leads to a higher social status,” adds Proletina Ilcheva.

Proof of this is the fact that most comments on such videos are complimenting their creators.

“I used to read the comments every day. Everyone was writing things like ‘You have an amazing body, how did you do it?’ So I thought that meant I was doing the right thing,” recalls Alexandra.

Now she calls it “spiralling” when people watch a lot of these videos. Experts researching Bulgarian online spaces have reached the same conclusion, too. Even when it’s a conscious choice, ignoring this type of content is hard to do.

“The very structure of social networks supports the rapid spread of such unrealistic ideas through personalization algorithms. They can increase how much content on extreme diets or distorted body image is displayed, especially following initial interactions with these videos. If you watch even one video with dieting content, you’ll soon be flooded with an avalanche of similar videos,” Stella Bileva, a clinical psychologist at the Animus Association, tells sCOOL Media.

The danger often remains hidden

But if we were to ask the average teenage girl about this danger, she might simply not believe it exists.

“This lifestyle is presented in such an unrealistic way that it’s impossible to realize how unhealthy it is. The word hunger is never mentioned; they call it discipline, self-improvement,” Kalina points out.

This framing makes the problem even more difficult to grasp. The line between healthy lifestyles and eating disorders gets completely blurred, and hunger is disguised as “willpower” and “self-actualization”.

When she noticed that her favorite jeans had become baggy, Alexandra didn’t feel ashamed or think she needed help. Quite the opposite:

“I felt terribly alone, but I believed that since I was able to push down that basic human instinct, it made me better than everyone else. Social media influenced me in this direction,” she says.

The central message being shared every day by psychologists, doctors, and specialists is “It’s okay to ask for help.”

But help is only possible when both parties recognize the need for it. When what’s happening to you is stigmatized, it isn’t easy to seek support.

“There is stigma when it comes to people experiencing an eating disorder,” shares the Bulgarian Safer Internet Center.

According to a U.S. study from 2024, 64% of people with increased symptoms of eating disorders refuse to seek help. The reasons behind this are fear of disapproval and feelings of guilt. An identical trend is present in Bulgaria.

“In Bulgarian society, concepts like depression, anxiety and eating disorders have become taboo topics,” says Kalina.

“I knew there were girls who were starving themselves, but I never imagined that it could happen to me. In Bulgaria, we think that it’s strange if you do it,” adds Alexandra.

As far as sharing about these problems with loved ones, one thing is clear: nobody asked if anything was wrong.

The way back

“I’m no longer the same person. Something in me died.”

With these words, Alexandra begins telling another story. A year on, she looks the same as before; in reality, nothing is the same. She shares that the battle to find your way back to yourself lasts “forever”, forcing you to realize that hunger doesn’t exist in a vacuum but is also connected to other problems.

“Eating disorders are a symptom of a deeper internal conflict and often reflect severe psychological and emotional distress,” confirms psychologist Stella Bileva.

“Usually, they are caused by a combination of low self-esteem, a seeming lack of control and past trauma. They are usually combined with other mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, which reinforce each other and make things worse,” Bileva adds.

According to her, eating disorders turn into a way for many people to exercise control when they feel powerless. And while Alexandra believes her condition is incurable, the therapist puts it plainly: healing is possible.

“It’s important for girls to know that there is a way out — an eating disorder isn’t a sentence, but a condition that can be overcome,” says Bileva.

However, no one-size-fits-all solution works: “Although the problem may seem the same, the reasons for each person are different. That’s why the words people need to hear when they’re going through an eating disorder aren’t universal,” she explains, advising that condemnation and comments about a person’s body such as “you look like a skeleton” should be avoided. It’s better to open up a dialogue with calm intonation and words like: “I’ve been noticing that you’re often worried. What’s going on? Tell me about it.”

As Bileva puts it, an eating disorder is “a disease of the entire family environment”, and the behavior of parents has a key influencing role.

“In the family, change starts with the language and atmosphere at home. It’s important for parents to avoid stigmatizing comments about one’s body. The family is also the first place where worrying signs can be noticed, in which case it’s important to seek professional help in a timely manner,” she emphasizes.

But despite every girl being different, finding the way back for each of them requires the same thing: professional assistance.

“The sooner a psychologist and psychiatrist get involved, the greater the chance of recovery,” says Bileva.

In a world that has elevated perfection to a pedestal, two girls put their health at risk chasing it. They managed to get closer through videos, images, and advice promising instant results. But they lost themselves along the way.

“I wouldn’t wish this on anyone. You don’t just lose weight, you lose yourself,” says Alexandra.

Today, she and Kalina are 16 years old. Having lost their self esteem once, they’re choosing to rebuild it again.

*Names have been changed to protect anonymity.

Funded under the project “Youth Against Disinformation” of the OPEN SPACE Foundation (OSF), implemented in partnership with the Association of European Journalists in Bulgaria (AEJ-Bulgaria), with the support of the British Council in Bulgaria. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of OSF, AEJ-Bulgaria, or the British Council in Bulgaria. Neither OSF, AEJ-Bulgaria, nor the British Council in Bulgaria can be held responsible for them.

This article contains graphic descriptions of child abuse, gender-based violence, and cruelty to animals. A list of organizations supporting women’s rights and protection from violence in both countries is provided at the end.

By Alexandra Bora and Elina Genova

Adelina, a 17-year-old Bulgarian girl, carries a harrowing story of lifelong violence. “Kicking, throwing, slapping, punching, hair-pulling, bruises, belt strikes, being kicked out of the house” — these are the stark words she uses to describe her childhood. Her father’s aggression was relentless, targeting not just her but her sister and mother, from whom he is now divorced.

Despite the divorce, he remains obsessed with his ex-wife, continuing a cycle of psychological and physical abuse. During Adelina’s early years, her father’s cruelty knew no bounds — killing her hamster, throwing her sister onto a parked car, threatening to break her dog’s neck. “That really affected me mentally,” she says, revealing years of nightmares and sleep problems that drove her to use sedatives.

Though the immediate situation has improved, her father continues to stalk the family, making constant threatening calls. In one particularly terrifying incident, he called her sister claiming he had killed Adelina and their mother after his ex-wife didn’t answer her phone. “I’m already scared,” Adelina says. “This is like a horror movie. It’s getting out of control. I don’t know if something fatal might happen one night.”

In neighboring Romania, Maria’s childhood was marked by her mother’s increasingly destructive behavior, a pattern she initially struggled to recognize. “Things got worse around the age of 12 when my parents separated. That was the worst period, though the abuse had been happening even before that,” she says. What began as emotional abuse gradually escalated to physical violence. There were nights she would be kicked out of the house, only to be reluctantly let back in hours later. Minor inconveniences would trigger slapping or beating. While these physical incidents were sporadic, the emotional abuse — constant insults and verbal attacks — remained a consistent, suffocating presence in her life.

Adelina and Maria’s stories mirror the painful experiences of many girls who have suffered domestic or any other kind of abuse. In Bulgaria and Romania, teenage girls face widespread violence, yet systemic failures often leave them without protection or justice. Legal shortcomings, underfunded support services, and lingering stigma make it difficult for survivors to seek help. Despite growing activism, real change remains slow, as too many girls still suffer in silence.

Widespread Violence

In Romania, 42% of women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence since the age of 15, while the percentage in Bulgaria is 28, according to 2024 statistics provided by the European Institute for Gender Equaility. 48% of Bulgarian women who have experienced physical or sexual violence by any perpetrator in the past 12 months have not told anyone, while the figure in Romania is 34%.

In a recent report, UNICEF states that “violence against women and girls, including harmful practices, is one of the most pervasive violations of human rights across the world.”

For the purpose of this article, the authors developed a survey in August of last year. Filled out by 64 respondents in Bulgaria and 60 in Romania, it paints a similar picture. 

The survey shows that violence is often perpetrated by men or boys. In 69.2% of cases, the aggressor was male — most often someone the victim knew. In Romania, 40% of those who experienced violence reported that the perpetrator was a classmate, a close acquaintance, or a friend. In Bulgaria, an even higher percentage, 51.7%, reported experiencing violence at the hands of a friend. 69.2% of surveyed girls in Bulgaria and 58.5% in Romania reported witnessing violence against another girl.

The figures speak for themselves, but they beg the question: where does this violence come from? Romanian psychologist Andreea Ștefiuc explains that men historically relied on brute force for survival, which led to the normalization of using violence to exert control, including over women. Despite societal progress, this behavior has been passed down through generations. Only recently have women in the Western world begun challenging this norm, but the process of healing these deep-rooted patterns is still ongoing. She emphasizes that society is still learning how men can embrace strength without resorting to violence or suppression.

Experts argue that the patriarchal system not only fuels violence against women and girls but also fosters societal tolerance for it. Kalina Drenska, founder of the Bulgarian feminist NGO LevFem, explains that such violence is not just the result of harmful stereotypes or isolated cases of aggression but is actually more deeply rooted. “It stems from the patriarchal system itself because it positions women as subordinate to men,” she says. 

Cultural stigma discourages victims from speaking out, fearing judgment or retaliation. Many bystanders hesitate to intervene, reinforcing a culture of silence. This mindset is further reflected in widespread victim-blaming in Bulgaria — according to a UNICEF and Coram study, 51.6% of respondents believe that a girl bears some responsibility for being raped if she drinks alcohol, takes drugs, behaves provocatively, has multiple sexual partners, or stays out late at night.

Experts, psychologists, and social workers interviewed for this story suggest that the lack of understanding about what constitutes aggression and violence is a key factor. 

“Many of the girls who come to me and have experienced some form of violence do not always recognize it as such. They often perceive it as a normal part of the relationship, rather than as violence inflicted upon them,” says Valeria Simeonova, a Bulgarian psychologist who works with teachers and children between the ages of 7 and 18, especially those with anxiety disorders. She also says that almost everyone she treats in therapy has experienced some form of violence. 

“The initial reason why the girls come to therapy is not the abuse, but oftentimes through our work in therapy it comes to the surface one way or another,” says Andreea Ștefiuc. 

Maria Boeva, who has been working at a Bulgarian national hotline for abuse survivors for more than 6 years now, also agrees that violence against girls is a taboo issue and something that “we should talk about”.

Survivors Face Systemic Barriers

Victims of domestic and gender-based violence in Bulgaria and Romania face significant obstacles when seeking help. Legal shortcomings mean laws are poorly enforced, judicial processes are slow, and courts often fail to clearly classify cases of assault as rape.

A judicial inspection report published in July 2021 highlights serious issues in how Romanian prosecutors and judges handle cases involving survivors of sexual violence from 10 to 14 years of age. The report reveals deep-seated prejudices and a lack of proper resolution in light of such offenses.

A 2019 study further exposes this systemic failure in Romania: statistically, there is only a 1 in 4 chance that a national court will classify the crime of rape as such. These findings make it clear that neither girls nor women are adequately protected in our society.

Violence can have lasting traumatic effects, often carrying severe consequences into adulthood. For example, Adelina experiences nightmares, and the situation at home affects her school life. For some, the impact is even deeper — Maria still struggles with the emotional scars left by her mother’s abuse. “I haven’t fully moved on — the consequences are still visible, and it has left a deep mark on me. But now, I hope that with time, it will all fade away,” she says.

Institutional and psychological assistance for girls who go through violence is crucial, and so is trying to limit this violence in the first place. 

In Bulgaria and Romania, there are a few state-run centers that help women who have experienced domestic violence where they can also bring their children. Limited support services, which may include shelters and counseling, leave victims with few options, however. Law enforcement failures also persist, with police often dismissing complaints or urging reconciliation with abusers.

When Adelina and her mother called the police after her father attempted to break-in, no help came due to a lack of official documentation of abuse. “That crushes you even more,” Adelina explains. “It means the police won’t help you, the court won’t help you, no one will help you.”

In the absence of state policies, a handful of nonprofits have stepped up to fill the gap, offering a range of services from counseling and mental health support to shelter and legal aid. 

At some point, the situation in Maria’s home with her mother became unbearable. She made the courageous decision to seek refuge with her father. “I ran to my dad’s place because I saw things were getting worse and worse,” she says. “I simply didn’t know what to do anymore. If I stayed with her, nothing would change.”

Now living with her father, Maria is actively working on healing. “I’m trying to work on myself,” she says, “to understand that those words are just words, and they are said with the intention of bringing me down.”

Despite the alarming rates of violence against teenage girls and women, there are glimpses of hope.

In 2023, an 18-year-old Bulgarian girl named Debora was brutally assaulted by an alleged former boyfriend. The cruelty of the attack — the girl was stabbed multiple times with a snap-off knife — and the authorities’ inaction sparked a wave of rallies in dozens of towns across the country. Indeed, the scale of the protests was almost unprecedented. Thousands of Bulgarians took to the streets to express their support for the victim but also to demand that abusers be held accountable. The incident has forced Bulgaria to make swift legal changes. 

In Romania, NGOs lead awareness campaigns emphasizing community responsibility in combating domestic violence. Messages highlight that it’s not just a private matter and urge bystanders to take action. Centrul Filia organizes workshops and protests, including the popular “Together for Women’s Safety” march. Additionally, in 2022, Romania launched a pilot project using electronic bracelets to monitor offenders and enforce protection orders.

Help from friends and family is crucial during hard periods, and showing care and interest might change everything. “I believe that the most important thing is a simple question: ‘Are you okay?’ I believe that the most important thing is to be emotionally present for someone going through something like that,” says Maria from Romania.

The street is empty as I walk home from school. It’s getting dark, clouds hang low, and the wind whips my hair across my face. The usually busy sidewalks are deserted, making the kilometer stretch to my house feel endless.

 

Footsteps echo behind me. A man. Getting closer. I can feel his eyes on me as I clutch my keys between my fingers — a makeshift weapon. He’s right behind me now, his breath practically on my neck. Will I even make it home tonight?

 

Then, he passes by. Relief floods through me, but the fear lingers. This route, this feeling — it’s all too familiar. I have no alternative path home. Tomorrow, I’ll walk this same street after school, wondering again if I’ll make it back safely.

 

Some might call this scene dramatic, but for many girls between 13 and 18, this is daily life: navigating through fear, uncertainty, and anxiety. A simple walk becomes a game of Russian roulette. Most times nothing happens, but the possibility of being catcalled, harassed, or worse always looms.

 

In Bulgaria, 40% of women report they do not feel safe walking outside alone at night. In Romania, the number is even higher — 8 out of 10 women.

 

All of this stems from real dangers, as news about cases of rape, harassment, or even murder circulates daily. Most of the time, justice is not achieved for minors (mostly girls) who are victims of sexual violence. According to a report released by Centrul Filia, 60% of sex crimes in 2020 were perpetrated against minors.

Note: Maria and Adelina’s names have been changed to protect their identity.

Organizations Supporting Women’s Rights and Protection from Violence in Romania:

 

Association for Liberty and Equality of Gender (A.L.E.G.) – A.L.E.G. works to prevent and address violence against women by providing support services, legal counseling, and awareness programs on gender equality and women’s rights.

 

FILIA Center – A feminist NGO advocating for women’s rights, FILIA addresses issues such as domestic violence and sexual harassment. They provide support and advocacy for women affected by violence.

 

Necuvinte Association – Focused on combating domestic violence, Necuvinte offers legal, psychological, and social support to abuse survivors. They also engage in policy advocacy and awareness campaigns.

 

CASA Ioana – The organization provides shelter and support services for women and children escaping domestic violence and homelessness, helping them rebuild their lives.

Organizations Supporting Women’s Rights and Protection from Violence in Bulgaria:

 

Animus Foundation – Animus offers psychological and social support to women and children who are victims of violence. They operate a crisis center and a hotline for victims of domestic violence and trafficking.

 

Turnovgrad Crisis Centre – This institution provides emergency support and shelter for victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, and other forms of abuse.

 

P.U.L.S. Foundation – Supporting children, young people, and adults affected by violence, P.U.L.S. offers assistance through a center for social rehabilitation and integration.

 

Samaryani Association – The organization supports individuals who have experienced violence. They operate a Consultative and Informational Center and a hotline.

 

Emprove Association – Focused on empowering women, particularly survivors of domestic violence, Emprove provides resources and support for rebuilding their lives.

This story is part of the Beyond Borders project, organized by the Association of European Journalists in Bulgaria in partnership with Bucharest-based Romanian publication Gen Revista. The initiative is co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

By Diana Haiduc and Polin Savova 

Tobacco remains a significant public health issue, with devastating effects evident cross-generationally in Bulgaria and Romania. The Tobacco Atlas reports a grim reality: 8.4% of all deaths in Bulgaria result from tobacco use, reflecting the severity of the issue within the nation.

The Tobacco Landscape in Bulgaria and Romania

According to the same source, Romania’s adult smoking prevalence stands at 27%, with 8.3% of adolescents aged 15–19 smoking cigarettes in 2020. While these numbers indicate a slight decline in cigarette consumption, Romanian respiratory specialist Zsuzsanna Stupeczky warns that this trend is offset by a rising preference for e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. In recent years, the percentage of adolescents using such products has significantly increased across various countries (World Health Organization).

“I started smoking at around 14 when I was very stressed because of exams and problems at home. I felt the need for something to calm me down,” says Dragoș (name changed for privacy), a 15-year-old student from Romania. He has already noticed that nicotine is addictive and that his immune system has weakened, making him more susceptible to colds.

17-year-old Maria (name also changed) from Cluj-Napoca has been smoking for two years and has noticed herself becoming more irritable. She admits that smoking is affecting her mental health and fears she may develop serious health problems if she doesn’t quit.

A study by the Romanian Public Health Institute conducted from October to December 2022 revealed that 50% of high school students had smoked e-cigarettes or heated tobacco products—an alarming indicator of the growing popularity of these alternatives.

Similarly, Bulgaria has witnessed an increase in alternative tobacco consumption. A 2024 survey conducted by the Medical University of Plovdiv found that 3% of children aged 6 to 9 vape, while 2% consume traditional cigarettes. This disturbing trend suggests that even the youngest members of society are being drawn into tobacco use.

The Role of the Tobacco Industry

The tobacco industry has evolved strategically, leveraging modern technologies and digital platforms to appeal to a new generation. Colorful packaging, enticing flavors, and aggressive social media marketing contribute to the growing appeal of these products among young consumers. Bulgarian activist Pavel Antonov describes this trend:

“Many young people are drawn to the fragrances, the flavors, and the perceived prestige of using these new products. The scariest part is that the industry understands this psychology all too well.”

For minors, the packaging and promotional strategies are particularly enticing. Furthermore, the lack of adequate public awareness about the long-term health consequences compounds the issue. In Bulgaria, efforts by the World Health Organization and the government to implement international tobacco control conventions have not gained significant traction. Meanwhile, paid influencers on social media portray vaping as a trendy and stylish lifestyle choice, further exacerbating the problem.

“Both traditional smoking and vaping have negative effects on health. Vaping is often considered to be safer than smoking, but it also causes health problems. Both vaping and smoking are addictive and introduce potentially harmful chemicals into the body. The long-term effects of vaping are still unknown,” warns Zsuzsanna Stupeczky, adding that alongside the emergence of vaping, diseases such as EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping product use Associated Lung Injury) have also appeared.

When asked why they started smoking or vaping, many adolescents express a lack of concern about the future consequences. Common responses include:

• “I haven’t tried to quit smoking because I don’t think I need to. I feel good when I smoke and don’t see why I should quit.”
• “I don’t think smoking affects me now or [will] in the future. I feel good now and don’t think about long-term consequences.”

Legislative Efforts and Challenges

In response to this growing crisis, Romania introduced law changes last spring aimed at regulating the sale and packaging of all tobacco products. Bulgaria has also implemented similar restrictions. However, according to a Euronews survey, Bulgaria had the highest rate of smokers over the age of 15 in all of Europe in 2020.

To combat tobacco use, the Coalition for a Smoke-Free Life was formed. In 2009, Bulgarian lawmakers passed a law banning smoking in enclosed public spaces. However, even before it could take full effect, tobacco industry lobbyists pushed for its repeal, highlighting the significant influence of the industry on policymaking.

A Call for Unified Action

“People’s personal choice is important; everyone can do what they want. These may sound appealing, but we’re talking about addiction here,” says Pavel Antonov. He believes that the government must be extremely strong and prepared to face significant lobbying pressure in order to implement policies that serve the interests of young people and the general population.

Addressing tobacco addiction effectively demands comprehensive and coordinated action. While legislative measures represent crucial steps forward, broader strategies—including widespread public education campaigns, stringent advertising controls, and rigorous policy enforcement—are necessary.

The battle against tobacco and its alternative forms requires collective involvement from governments, communities, families, and individuals. Only through a unified, persistent approach can society safeguard younger generations from the harmful consequences of tobacco and vaping.

This story is part of the Beyond Borders project, organized by the Association of European Journalists in Bulgaria in partnership with Bucharest-based Romanian publication Gen Revista. The initiative is co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

By Elena Dimitrova and Florina Cicșa

In March 2023, a remarkable cross-border rescue operation highlighted the evolving state of air medical services in Eastern Europe. A 7-year-old Romanian girl, severely injured while skiing in the Bulgarian resort town of Bansko, required urgent medical attention. Initially treated at a hospital in Sofia, her condition remained critical. Faced with limited options, Romania’s SMURD (“Mobile Emergency Service for Reanimation and Extrication”) decided to intervene. A SMURD helicopter was dispatched to Bulgaria and successfully airlifted the child from Sofia to the Children’s Emergency Hospital in Bucharest, where she could receive specialized care.

This operation highlighted the stark differences in air ambulance capabilities between Romania and Bulgaria. While Romania boasts a highly developed air ambulance system, Bulgaria has struggled with providing reliable air medical services. The absence of medical helicopters in Bulgaria until recently stems from the sale of the country’s only air ambulances in 2019 after Heli Air, a private company, failed to receive governmental support. As a result, Bulgaria was the only country in the European Union without medical helicopters for four years, highlighting a critical gap in emergency medical services.

How Romania Built a Successful Air Ambulance Service

Originally established in 2003 and later updated and modernized, Romania’s air ambulance system has become a vital part of its emergency medical infrastructure. The system’s success is largely attributed to strategic investments, interagency coordination between health and interior ministries, and EU funding. The system operates under the Department for Emergency Situations (DSU), which governs SMURD. Since its establishment, SMURD has managed to establish a fleet of nine helicopters and two airplanes, including advanced EC-135 helicopters and Black Hawks. These are equipped with cutting-edge medical technology, enabling them to provide life-saving interventions, particularly in hard-to-reach areas where ground ambulances might struggle. The Black Hawk helicopters, with their double transport capacity, can carry two critically ill patients at once and are also capable of multi-role operations, including firefighting and maritime rescues.

Romania’s air ambulance service covers both urban and rural areas, with 10 aeromedical bases ensuring nationwide reach. The system’s flexibility allows for the redeployment of resources, ensuring rapid responses in remote locations. Specialized pilots and medical teams are well-trained to handle various medical emergencies, including neonatal transport with specialized incubators. EU funding has played a crucial role in maintaining the system’s low operational costs, which are far lower than private air ambulance services.

This system has helped save a lot of lives. For example, in 2013, there were a total of 1,851 primary and secondary missions, while the number doubled in 2016, resulting in 3,660 missions across the country.  

Despite its advancements, Romania’s air ambulance system faces challenges due to weather conditions, particularly in mountainous regions. However, the DSU continues to improve its fleet and services with further investments and plans to expand the capacity of the service. “All these institutions work under the umbrella of the Department for Emergency Situations… to intervene as quickly as possible and to save as many lives as possible,” says Bogdan Toma, a DSU spokesperson. The goal is to continually increase intervention capacity and renew equipment where necessary. This ensures that Romania can provide fast and efficient medical care in emergencies, not only saving lives but also reducing the financial burden of privatized services.

Across the Danube: It’s Not Just about Helicopters

Bulgaria, on the other hand, has faced significant delays in establishing a fully functional air ambulance system. The lack of medical helicopters has been a serious issue, especially in remote areas where ground transport is difficult. 

Journalist Olya Stoyanova, who has followed the issue for five years, highlights the bureaucratic deadlock in establishing an Air Medical Emergency Center:

“There was a big debate over whether it should be an independent structure, fall under a ministry, or be part of emergency teams. But with constant government changes, no one was willing to take responsibility. Councils were formed, but if everything stays at a bureaucratic level, nothing will ever happen.”

Bulgaria’s challenges go beyond resources — the real issue is the lack of a coherent strategy. “It’s not just about transport or centers; it’s about leadership. A functional system isn’t built on helicopters or airplanes alone — it requires a well-structured plan. Without that, all we have are vehicles, not a solution,” says Stoyanova.

After years of setbacks, Bulgaria took a significant step forward in 2023 by reaching an agreement to purchase air ambulances from the Italian company Leonardo. The first out of eight helicopters arrived in Bulgaria in February 2024, and while two more were expected by the end of the year, delays in the global supply chain have pushed back the arrival of the remaining helicopters. The second helicopter for providing emergency medical assistance by air landed in Bulgaria only in February this year. It is already positioned at an air base in Sliven, a town in southeast Bulgaria. The base meets all regulatory requirements and even has sufficient space to accommodate two helicopters, ensuring the necessary conditions for their safe operation and maintenance.

However, it is still unclear when Bulgaria will receive its remaining helicopters. The purchase order for the helicopters provides a permissible delay period of 60 days. After that, sanctions are imposed for each subsequent day’s deviation from the deadline and the Italian company might face a sanction of a total of 500,000 BGN (250,000 euros). Once fully operational, these helicopters will cover Bulgaria’s entire territory, including areas that were previously difficult to reach by air. 

Dr. Vera Ivanova, who participated in Bulgaria’s first air ambulance mission in June 2024, stresses the need for more helicopters, especially for nighttime coverage.

“With only one helicopter [last summer], covering the entire country is challenging. Everyone wants this to happen quickly, but there’s an inevitable waiting period. Once the remaining helicopters arrive — bringing the total to eight — full national coverage will be possible. After technical inspections, each helicopter will be ready to respond rapidly within its designated area.”

The new helicopters feature advanced navigation systems and state-of-the-art medical equipment, specially adapted for air rescue. “The equipment is top-tier. We had to add some consumables and stock the medical backpacks, but overall, everything is tailored for air transport.” These additions are expected to dramatically improve response times, particularly for people involved in accidents and critically ill patients.

“Once the full fleet is operational, emergency response will be far more efficient,” Dr. Ivanova concludes. She says that helicopter space is limited, and the high altitude has negative effects on patients’ bodies. The priority is to stabilize patients on the ground to minimize interventions during flight.

Currently, Bulgaria has six air ambulance bases in Sofia, Plovdiv, Sliven, Targovishte, Montana, and Dolna Mitropolia. The government has approved helipad construction in 20 hospitals, with three licensed facilities and three more in progress. Additionally, pilots are highly trained and can land anywhere with a 30-meter, obstacle-free radius.

Currently, Bulgaria’s air ambulance service is technically equipped for night operations, but Bulgaria Heli Med Service has yet to begin nighttime missions. Preparations are underway, including securing special night vision goggles from the Italian company Leonardo, according to the Ministry of Transport.

Despite progress, challenges remain. Stoyanova acknowledges the establishment of an Air Medical Emergency Center (AMEC) as a positive step but stresses the need for better coordination:

“Different units, like the Mountain Rescue Service, should be integrated into the system.”

In the meantime, political leaders have called for stronger coordination between the Ministry of Healthcare and other institutions.

The 2023 cross-border rescue operation in which a Romanian SMURD helicopter took part underlined how crucial a well-functioning air ambulance system is in saving lives, especially during crossborder emergencies. 

Bulgaria’s air ambulance system is still in its early stages, but collaboration among emergency teams, doctors, and hospitals shows promise. Dr. Vera Ivanova remains optimistic, emphasizing that while challenges persist, enthusiasm and cooperation are driving progress.

“This is entirely new for the country, and we expected far more coordination issues. While some details still need refining, the Emergency Service centers, doctors, and hospitals are working with incredible dedication. Everyone is fully engaged and eager to help, which gives me great hope for the future,” she shares.

This story is part of the Beyond Borders project, organized by the Association of European Journalists in Bulgaria in partnership with Bucharest-based Romanian publication Gen Revista. The initiative is co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

By Iulia Dobrea and Kalina Gyulsever

In the heart of Eastern Europe, where tradition often demands silence, Roma women in Bulgaria and Romania are finding their voices and rewriting their futures. 

“We have a saying, ‘A woman’s hair is long, but her mind is short’,” says Reneta Krivonozova, a young Roma woman from Bulgaria. “This implies that a woman doesn’t need education or personal development. Her sole responsibility is to carry and take care of a child.” 

Reneta recounts how her mother had to fight for her and her sister’s right to attend kindergarten, battling prejudice from educators who believed Roma children lacked ambition. “Our development is hindered from a very young age,” she explains. “If we can’t access quality education, there’s no chance for good employment opportunities, either.”

While these deeply entrenched beliefs often hold women back from realizing their potential, Krivonozova created her own path, defying the stereotypes and limitations both within and towards her community. 

With a master’s degree in political science from the Université libre de Bruxelles and a background in applied linguistics, she now works as an assistant at the European Parliament. Her career journey so far includes experience in a number of organisations both in her home country and across Europe, including advocacy on children’s rights and Roma inclusion.

Krivonozova is not alone. Despite facing challenges, Roma women are beginning to rewrite their stories. Efforts to empower them encompass legal reforms, grassroots initiatives, and sharing personal stories of resilience like hers. 

The plight of Roma women in Bulgaria and Romania is grim. They face a myriad of challenges stemming from deeply ingrained societal biases. Socio-economic hardships remain a significant obstacle: in Bulgaria, for instance, 25% of Roma women have no formal education, while in Romania, the lack of access to childcare and employment opportunities further exacerbates their vulnerability. Coupled with cultural expectations that normalize domestic roles for women, many remain economically dependent, hindering their autonomy.

Gender-based violence is alarmingly prevalent in these communities, with 87.5% of Roma women reporting physical aggression as the most common form of abuse. However, systemic barriers, such as mistrust in public institutions and inadequate legal protections, leave many victims without recourse. In Bulgaria, only 37% of Roma individuals are aware of equality bodies, and a mere 14% have reported instances of discrimination. Similarly, in Romania, despite broader awareness of anti-discrimination laws, women hesitate to engage with judicial systems due to past negative experiences.

Connecting personal experiences like Reneta’s to broader organizational efforts, numerous NGOs in Bulgaria and Romania have stepped up to empower Roma women. These organizations work tirelessly to combat entrenched inequalities, providing critical support systems, advocacy platforms, and educational programs designed to create lasting change. By bridging grassroots movements with institutional advocacy, these NGOs aim to dismantle barriers and unlock opportunities for Roma women to thrive. 

Largo Kyustendil, a non-profit based in the Roma quarter of Kyustendil, Bulgaria, has been a driving force in empowering Roma women since 2007. Focused on breaking systemic barriers, the organization runs programs centered on education, employment, and community leadership.

“Education is key to breaking the cycle of marginalization,” says Sasho Kovachev, Largo’s director. Over the past decade, the NGO has supported more than ten Roma women in completing university degrees, including a Fulbright scholar now studying in the U.S.

The organization also tackles economic challenges by offering job readiness workshops, soft skills training, and guidance in starting small businesses. “We help women prepare resumes, practice for interviews, and connect with potential employers,” Kovachev explains. These initiatives have helped many Roma women achieve financial independence and improve their quality of life.

Community engagement is another pillar of Largo’s approach. The NGO has established six women’s clubs across Bulgaria, creating spaces for Roma women to discuss issues, advocate for solutions, and work with local authorities. One successful campaign focused on building playgrounds in underserved neighborhoods. “We empower women to seek solutions for their communities, whether it’s advocating for better resources or creating safer spaces,” Kovachev adds.

Largo also works to reshape public perceptions. Their national photo exhibition featuring successful Roma women has traveled to seven cities, inspiring thousands. Accompanying videos tell stories of women pursuing dreams like becoming medical professionals. “When people see these stories, it challenges stereotypes and shows the strength and potential of Roma women,” Kovachev emphasizes.

Reneta envisions a future where Roma women can freely choose their paths without being tethered by cultural or societal expectations. “I dream of the day when I walk into a high-level office and see it filled with Roma women — not as tokens but as equals,” she says. Her work and resilience continue to inspire a new generation of Roma women to break their own chains and rewrite their narratives.

In Romania, Bucharest-based E-Romnja is dedicated to supporting Roma women. Unlike larger-scale programs, E-Romnja focuses on building long-term trust and involvement within specific communities, such as those in Prahova, Bacău, and Giurgiu counties. “We don’t move from one region to another,” explains Anca Nica, a representative of E-Romnja. “Locally, people know we address women’s issues, and they come to us. We don’t actively ‘seek out victims’.”

The organization’s work also involves combating intersectional discrimination. “Roma women face compounded vulnerabilities,” Nica notes. “They are marginalized not only as women but also as Roma, often living in poverty and lacking access to education, healthcare, and the labor market.” This perspective guides E-Romnja’s initiatives, ensuring they respond to the multifaceted challenges faced by Roma women.

One of the most appreciated projects that E-Romnja supported was the “Gala of Roma Women”, an annual event held from 2016 to 2020. It celebrated Roma women excelling in fields like education and healthcare, providing role models and challenging stereotypes. Additionally, the organization has established initiative groups in local communities, offering a safe space for women to share their experiences and collectively tackle issues like domestic violence.

While Largo focuses heavily on education and community-led projects, E-Romnja advocates for broader legislative changes. “I would like to see Romania harmonize the European Directive addressing forced marriages,” Nica stresses. “We also need more specialized services for victims and state-funded training for professionals in social work, the police force, and healthcare.

The path forward requires not only the continued dedication of NGOs and activists but also the involvement of policymakers, communities, and individuals. 

Krivonozova’s path could serve as a role model for other Roma girls in Europe. Facing discrimination both within and outside the Roma community, she left to pursue her education and career.

“There are many expectations of me both from Roma and non-Roma people in Bulgaria,” she says. “In my community, I am considered a bad example of a woman because I openly advocate for Roma women’s rights. Outside of it, I am often perceived as uneducated or pitiable. But I refuse to live under that pressure and dedicate my life to doing what I feel is important.”

Reneta remains optimistic and motivated. “I wish little Reneta had people like adult Reneta in her life,” she says. “I strive to create spaces where young Roma girls can focus on who they want to be, not just conform to societal molds.” 

Her advice to young Roma women is simple yet powerful: “Don’t let anyone tell you who you should be. Explore what makes you happy and pursue it wholeheartedly.”
 

This story is part of the Beyond Borders project, organized by the Association of European Journalists in Bulgaria in partnership with Bucharest-based Romanian publication Gen Revista. The initiative is co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

by Lilia Atanasova

“I stopped eating normally,” recalls Nicole, a 13-year-old Bulgarian girl. She tells a poignant story of mental health struggles. Her journey began in early 2022 when dissatisfaction with her appearance triggered a profound personal crisis.

“No matter how much weight I lost, I never felt good about myself.” At home, constant pressure about academic performance overwhelmed her, leaving her feeling trapped and exhausted. Extra tutoring became an additional source of criticism, further eroding her self-esteem.

Self-harm was a coping mechanism during her darkest moments. Social challenges compounded her struggles, with a manipulative friendship turning her school environment toxic. Music remained her only comfort.

The lack of meaningful mental health support at her school became painfully evident. “I was afraid to seek help,” Nicole explains. While occasional psychology classes occurred, they rarely addressed genuine mental health concerns. Teachers seemed more focused on academic scores than understanding the underlying reasons for students’ behaviors.

Nicole’s story is emblematic of a widespread issue: the lack of sufficient mental health support in Bulgarian and Romanian schools. Her story highlights a critical need for compassionate, proactive mental health resources in educational settings — where empathy should matter more than metrics.

Global statistics underscore this urgency. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 15% of children and adolescents experience mental disorders, typically emerging around age 14. A UNICEF report from 2021 revealed that 11.2% of teens aged 10–19 in Bulgaria had a diagnosed mental disorder, while self-harm was a leading cause of death among EU teens. In Romania, nearly one-third of teenagers reported frequent feelings of sadness, and nearly half had considered suicide. This alarming data indicates an urgent need for more robust mental health policies in schools.

Gaps in Mental Health Policies 

There are significant gaps in the governmental policies of both countries regarding mental health support for young people. 

Experts in Romania say that there are often cases where school psychologists are responsible for up to 800 students across multiple schools, leaving them unable to offer regular presentations or sessions. This shortage of psychoeducational programs is particularly concerning, given that adolescence is a vulnerable period for mental health development. 

Ioana Tonceanu, an outreach coordinator for  Mental Health for Romania, explains that there is a lack of more reliable information and too few professionals who would be able to deal with this situation. Another failing is the fact that though most school specialists have received training on students’ development, they don’t have sufficient knowledge regarding their vulnerabilities. 

She says that investing in training programs for teachers that give them the opportunity to specialize in working with vulnerable populations is crucial, especially in rural areas, to better train teachers in terms of handling mental health problems and knowing what to do in case they have students suffering from a crisis or chronic condition.

Bella Damyanova, a psychotherapist and coordinator at Sofia-based National Network for Children, stresses the need for parental involvement and a supportive family environment. She highlights challenges, such as inadequate wages and support for social workers, adding that improving working conditions is crucial for protecting vulnerable children.

NGOs like Mental Health for Romania and the National Network for Children, NNC, currently fill these gaps, but sustainable solutions require systematic government action. As Nicole’s experience illustrates, immediate action is essential. Students must be empowered to speak openly about their mental health, and schools need the resources and trained personnel to adequately support them. Addressing mental health openly can lead not only to healthier students but also to stronger, more compassionate school communities across both countries.

Raising Awareness about Mental Health in Bulgaria 

Damyanova also counsels children at the National Children’s Hotline (116 111) for Bulgaria. She says that many children call on the phone because they need someone to listen to them and to support them. “Perhaps this is the only safe place where they remain anonymous, where they can share some of the painful things they are going through,” she says.

As Damyanova explains, regular screenings are a key part of the NNC’s efforts to identify mental health issues in children from a very young age. “The younger the child, the more adaptable they are, making it easier to address challenges and provide the right support.” For this reason, she is convinced this practice should be more frequently implemented in policies regarding the protection of children and their psychological support.

Polina Petkova, founder and host of the mental health podcast “Inside Out”, also aims to shed light on mental health issues. She started the project, originally supported by UNICEF and a youth media outlet called Teen Station, when she was only 17 years old. It was the first audio-format program on this topic in Bulgaria. 

“When the idea for this podcast began four years ago, mental health was still a taboo topic in Bulgaria. I wanted to spark a discussion, especially to give young people safe and accessible ways to seek mental health support,” says Petkova. 

The most popular topics on the podcast — those with the most views and engagement — focus on career choices for young people and decisions related to their education, especially whether to study abroad or stay in Bulgaria. Many young people find themselves at this crossroads, and Petkova aims to bring in guests who not only offer expertise but also engage the audience in meaningful discussions.

“It’s hard for young people to speak up because many feel ashamed of their struggles and battle with self-worth,” Petkova explains. While she acknowledges a growing awareness about mental health issues, she cautions against relying too heavily on social media for advice. “Social media plays a role in raising awareness, but it can also complicate things. Not all sources are trustworthy, so young people should be cautious about the information they find online.”

Petkova believes the key to progress lies in integrating mental health support within schools. “Ensuring every student has access to a well-trained psychologist is both possible and necessary,” she says, emphasizing the need for qualified professionals. To push for change, she urges students and organizations to advocate for educational reforms. “Broad discussions and active youth involvement are the best ways to engage the government and spark real change.”

She also encourages young people to confide in loved ones when struggling and to consider therapy as a proactive step. “I believe therapy benefits everyone, whether or not they think they have a problem. It should be a regular part of self-care.”

Let’s Talk About Mental Health in Romania

The situation surrounding mental health among youth in Romania doesn’t differ much from Bulgaria. 

In Romania, about 22,000 children and adolescents are living with a mental illness, and many others have faced various developmental, emotional, or cognitive disorders, according to a UNICEF policy brief on child and adolescent mental health. It is noteworthy that 69% of depressive episodes were reported in the age group over 15 years old, a much higher share compared to those younger than 10. 

Mental Health for Romania has been working since 2020 to raise awareness and drive positive change in mental health. Founded and run by young people, the organization develops projects to bridge Romania’s mental health awareness gap. “In Western Europe, there are many mental health initiatives, but Romania lacks them. We felt it was time to change that,” says outreach coordinator Ioana Tonceanu.

One key project is a specialist map, allowing people to find and connect with psychologists and psychiatrists. Another, “Let’s Bring Mental Health to Schools”, sends volunteers into high schools to present mental health concepts, case studies, and real stories of people experiencing depression or anxiety. “We work with teachers and school principals, and we aim to expand to school psychologists to make the program sustainable,” Tonceanu says.

The workshops cover essential topics beyond common disorders, including brain function, environmental influences, sleep, nutrition, exercise, and social life. While students have been engaging enthusiastically, stigma remains a barrier in many schools. “Some fear discussing mental health might further stigmatize classmates,” Tonceanu notes, stressing the need for open conversations to foster understanding and empathy.

She also warns against misinformation online, where mood swings are mislabeled as bipolar disorder or temporary sadness as depression. “Pathologizing normal emotions leads to confusion. It’s important to distinguish between occasional struggles and clinical conditions,” she adds.

Ultimately, the organization’s goal is to make mental health discussions accessible, engaging, and stigma-free, ensuring young people have the knowledge and support they need.

“Talking about it can help reduce judgment, as it allows people to understand how it feels and makes it easier for them to connect and empathize with these situations.” 

This story is part of the Beyond Borders project, organized by the Association of European Journalists in Bulgaria in partnership with Bucharest-based Romanian publication Gen Revista. The initiative is co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

By Yoan Angelov and Teodor-Mihai Popescu 

Obesity is on the rise across the world, but the rates in Bulgaria and Romania are particularly alarming. From childhood to adulthood, an increasing number of people in these countries are struggling with weight-related issues, and experts are warning that the health consequences could be severe if action isn’t taken soon. But what is driving this epidemic, and what—if anything—is being done about it?

The Growing Struggles of Young People

For Andreea, a 9th-grade student in Romania, maintaining a balanced diet has become an uphill battle.

“I no longer respect my mealtimes. High school has made my lifestyle sedentary, especially with my long commute and extracurricular activities. My parents don’t understand how stress has disrupted my diet, though my friends try to support me in making healthier choices. I feel stressed and lonely,” she confesses.

Andreea’s experience is not unique. Mara, another student from Romania, admits that during exam periods, she turns to food for comfort, even though she knows it doesn’t help in the long run.

“I haven’t talked to my family or friends about this because I’m afraid of being judged. My grades are fine, but my health is suffering,” she says.

These are just two voices in a much larger conversation about weight and health in Bulgaria and Romania. Across these nations, obesity rates continue to climb, especially among children and young adults. But why?

A Crisis in the Making

In 2013, obesity rates among children were already concerning. According to the statistics of World Health Organisation, 12.3% of 7-year-olds in Bulgaria and 11,6% of 8-year-olds in Romania were classified as obese. Ten years later, in 2023 the situation is even worse and the figures are 14% in Bulgaria and 12% in Romania.

Among adults, the statistics are even more troubling. A 2022 Eurostat survey found that:

• In Bulgaria, 52.9% of adults are overweight, with 22% of young adults (16–24) affected.
• In Romania, the numbers are higher, with 58.9% of adults and 19.8% of young adults overweight.

So, what’s behind these figures?

In many Eastern European cultures, a chubby child is often seen as a healthy child. But as Dr. Mikhail Okoliski, a health expert from Bulgaria, points out, this perception can lead to lifelong struggles. “If weight issues aren’t addressed early, they can carry into adulthood, making it even harder to maintain a healthy lifestyle.”

Romanian pediatrician Diana Belu agrees, emphasizing the role of diet. “Too many high-fat, high-sugar foods lead to excessive calorie intake. This, combined with a lack of exercise, is a recipe for weight gain.”

The rise of sedentary lifestyles—particularly among students—also contributes to the problem. Between long school days, homework, and extracurricular activities, many young people have little time for exercise. Moreover, stress often leads to emotional eating, something both Andreea and Mara have experienced firsthand.

While lifestyle is a major factor, genetics also play a role. “Some people inherit genes that influence how their body stores fat and burns calories,” explains Dr. Belu. “But even for those with a genetic predisposition, lifestyle choices still make a big difference.”

Obesity isn’t just a cosmetic issue—it’s a serious health risk. Overweight children are far more likely to become overweight adults, increasing their risk for conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, certain cancers, metabolic syndrome, etc.

According to a study by Dr. Ekaterina Chikova-Ischener, the percentage of overweight Bulgarian children has risen from 28.2% in 2008 to 32% in 2023. The numbers for Romania show a similar increase.

Medical experts warn that without intervention, these numbers will continue to climb, leading to a generation of adults facing severe health complications.

What’s Being Done?

In Bulgaria, nutrition programs in kindergartens are well-regulated, but these efforts often fade once children enter primary school. “Despite efforts to educate children about healthy eating, junk food remains widely accessible,” says Dr. Okoliski.

Recognizing this, in 2023, the Romanian government proposed banning sugary drinks and high-fat, high-salt foods from schools. Schools would also be required to provide detailed nutritional labels on food products. While this is a step in the right direction, enforcement remains a challenge—many children still buy their own snacks outside of school.

Some governments are turning to taxation as a solution. The Bulgarian Dental Union has proposed a sugar tax to reduce consumption, but the food industry has pushed back, arguing that companies might switch to artificial sweeteners instead.

Romania has already implemented a “sugar tax,” raising the commercial tax on sugary products from 9% to 19%. While the government claims this will improve public health, controversy arose when Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu revealed a “gentleman’s agreement” with Coca-Cola Romania—suggesting that tax revenue may be redirected to support the company.

If current trends continue, childhood obesity worldwide is expected to more than double by 2035. Estimates suggest:

• The number of obese boys will rise to 208 million (a 100% increase).
• The number of obese girls will rise to 175 million (a 125% increase).

With obesity growing at a faster rate among children than adults, experts agree that urgent action is needed. This means better education on healthy eating, stricter regulations on junk food, and more opportunities for children to stay active.

“We must act now,” warns Dr. Okoliski. “Otherwise, we risk creating a future where obesity—and its consequences—become the new normal.”

This story is part of the Beyond Borders project, organized by the Association of European Journalists in Bulgaria in partnership with Bucharest-based Romanian publication Gen Revista. The initiative is co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.