The new brochure prepared by Women Fund “Sukhumi” - “Women’s Experiences of Different Forms of Violence” - brings together stories of women living in different municipalities of Western Georgia.
The publication shows how violence against women manifests itself in different forms - including psychological, physical, economic and digital violence, as well as institutional barriers - and why these experiences so often remain invisible and unspoken.
The brochure is based on the research conducted by Women Fund “Sukhumi” and on data collected by its monitoring group. The stories included in the publication have been adapted and the names changed for women’s safety. Its aim is to help identify violence, break the silence, and raise awareness of available support services.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Women’s Experiences: Recognizing Technology-Facilitated Violence and Ways to Protect Yourself is a brochure that brings together stories based on women’s experiences, showing how, in intimate partner relationships, technologies can become tools of control, surveillance, blackmail, financial pressure, and intrusion into personal space.
The brochure helps readers recognize the early signs of technology-facilitated violence, explains why responsibility never lies with the woman who has experienced violence, and offers practical advice on digital safety, preserving evidence, and seeking support. The publication was prepared by the Women Fund “Sukhumi” within the framework of the project “No Longer Invisible: Recognizing and Responding to Technology-Facilitated Violence in Intimate Partner Relationships”, with the support of the WAVE Network.
The project is implemented with the support of the WAVE Network
This information guide for women joins practical and essential information on responding to cases of violence, available services, hotlines, shelters, legal and psychosocial support.
The aim of the guide is to help women, community leaders, and active citizens quickly obtain reliable information on ways of assistance and support mechanisms, as well as to learn about opportunities for economic empowerment.
The project is implemented with the support the Equality Fund (Canada)
The publication prepared by the Women Fund “Sukhumi” is based on a quantitative study conducted in November–December 2025, involving 540 women respondents from 10 municipalities of Western Georgia: Tskaltubo, Kutaisi, Khoni, Terjola, Vani, Chokhatauri, Senaki, Zugdidi, Tsalenjikha and Khobi. The study examines women’s safety, experiences of domestic violence and technology-facilitated violence, as well as awareness of, access to and trust in support services.
The study revealed that women’s safety is most affected by unemployment, the risk of losing a job, poverty, migration and insufficient access to services. Stigma surrounding domestic violence also remains a significant problem, often preventing women from openly acknowledging their personal experiences and seeking help. The data also showed that, despite increased awareness of available services, many women still do not have precise information about whom to contact and how to seek assistance in cases of violence or danger.
One of the key findings of the publication is that preventing violence and protecting women cannot be achieved through information-sharing alone. It is essential to strengthen reliable, confidential, geographically and financially accessible services, especially for vulnerable groups: internally displaced women, socially vulnerable women, women living in rural areas and women responsible for caring for persons with disabilities or older family members.
The project is implemented with the support of Brot für die Welt – Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
The brochure “Technology-Facilitated Violence in Intimate Relationships – Recognize and Protect Yourself” is a practical guide designed to help women and girls identify and respond to digital forms of abuse such as surveillance, control, and intimidation. It outlines the main types of technology-facilitated violence, legal protection mechanisms, and prevention tools—raising awareness and encouraging action: recognize, speak up, act!
The publication is prepared by the Charity-Humanitarian Women Fund "Sukhumi" with the support of the WAVE Network.
The project implemented with the support of the WAVE Network
Women Fund “Sukhumi’s” new report “Why Do Women Leave? The Gender Dimension of Women’s Migration Drivers Through the Lens of Rights, Social Factors, and Intersectional Vulnerability” presents the findings of a study conducted in 11 municipalities of Western Georgia, involving 600 women respondents. The report analyses the phenomenon of women’s migration from a gender perspective, viewing migration not merely as an economic process but as one rooted in multifaceted social, rights-related, and structural causes.
The data reveals that for many women migration is not a matter of choice but rather a forced strategy to escape domestic violence, rights-based subordination, and lack of social services. Migration intentions are particularly high among young and economically active women, which has significant implications for the country’s demographic structure and prospects for social development. The report highlights the role of intersectional vulnerability, such as displacement, proximity to conflict-dividing lines, and social insecurity, which further heighten migration risks. The study demonstrates that preventing forced migration requires comprehensive and gender-sensitive policies oriented towards strengthening women’s economic, social, and rights-based empowerment.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Paraprofessionals in the field of social work are individuals who do not have an academic degree or professional license in social work, but nevertheless play a major role in working with vulnerable groups. Their function is especially important when social services are not available or are very limited.
This is an excerpt from a new publication.
“A Social Work Guide for Community Leaders: Supporting Women Under the Risk of Violence and Surviving Domestic Violence” is a practical and in-depth resource for community and social leaders who work with women at the local level
The project is implemented with the support the Equality Fund (Canada)
The Women’s Fund “Sukhumi” has conducted a new study on the experience of cyber-attacks and online violence among school students, exploring its gender dimensions and impact. The research involved 192 students from ten municipalities in western Georgia, revealing that 25% had personally experienced online violence. TikTok and Facebook were the most common platforms for girls, while boys primarily encountered such incidents in online games. The most widespread forms of violence included offensive rumors, mocking comments about appearance, and sexual harassment, which was particularly prevalent among girls. Online violence has a serious psychological impact on students, leading to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Despite this, the study found that 30% of respondents do not seek any help, which may be linked to stigma and a lack of adequate support.
The research strongly emphasizes that preventing and addressing online violence requires a systemic approach, including strengthening education, increasing parental and educator involvement, and improving legal regulations to make the online environment safer for students.
"What Do Women Survivors Say?" reflects on the harsh realities experienced by domestic violence survivors in Georgia, sharing their personal stories, challenges, and the systemic barriers they face in seeking safety and independence. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, in 2024 alone, 8,744 restraining orders were issued, with the vast majority of victims - 6,634 cases - being women. Despite legal progress, many survivors refrain from seeking help due to social stigma, economic dependence, and a lack of accessible support services. Based on research by the Women’s Fund “Sokhumi,” this document assesses the effectiveness of existing assistance programs and underscores the urgent need for stronger, more sustainable mechanisms to support women in rebuilding their lives.
