Trend: Most Bulgarians believe aggression is on the rise

Acts of aggression in all its forms have increased over the past three years, according to 53% of Bulgarians. The findings come from a nationally representative survey of 800 people conducted by the Trend Research Centre. Two-thirds of respondents consider aggression a very serious problem, while only 3% take the opposite view.

Nearly half of those surveyed regard smacking as an acceptable way to discipline children. One in four Bulgarians has experienced road rage, while one in three changes their behaviour for fear of aggression, the survey shows.

Asked where aggressive behaviour is most common, 52% cited streets and public places, 50% the roads, 42% the family and home, 39% schools, and 33% bars, restaurants or clubs. Sixty-four per cent of respondents regard groups of youths known locally as “lokali” as a serious threat to their safety, while 35% have avoided certain places over the past year for fear of aggression.

More than half of those surveyed said fears for their own safety would deter them from reporting an incident of aggression or cooperating as a witness.

Editor: Diana Tsankova