Fund “Sukhumi” organized a round table with participation of referral subjects in Khoni municipality. The participants discussed how effective are the services in terms of assistance to violence victim, as well as in which direction should be the work of referral subjects strengthened.

The participants have repeatedly mentioned that the low level of cooperation and coordination still remains a challenge.

According to common position it is essential to strengthen local self-government, to introcude new initiatives in prevention of domestic violence and assistance to the victim.

A round table on: “Victim Assistance Services and Their Effectiveness” was held in the village Pakhulani (Tsalenjikha Municip[ality) in frames of the project “GREWS – Gender Responsive Early Warning System”. Participants heard information about existing services. The discussion showed how effective the available services are, what kind of assistance needs to be implemented so that the victim feels safe and secure.

Participants also spoke about a lack of information. According to them, the rural population should be even more informed about the services in order to use them in case of necessity.

- How informed is the society about the victim support services, whom to address in case of violence, how the existing services respond to the needs of the victim – these issues were discussed at a round table in Tskaltubo. The meeting was organized by Tskaltubo Women's Initiative Group.

The participants got acquainted with the results of monitoring conducted by the Fund “Sukhumi” on the topic of violence.

The round table was held in frames of the project “GREWS – Gender Responsive Early Warning System”.

A round table on: “Victim Assistance Services and Their Effectiveness”, initiated by the Women’s Initiative Group of Kutaisi was held in the Fund “Sukhumi” office.

- How informed is the population about the existing services, whom they address for the assistance, the introduction of which mechanisms will be more effective - during the discussion, the emphasis was placed on these issues.

Participants received information on monitoring, conducted by the Fund “Sukhumi” on the topic of violence. Representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and a lawyer of the shelter were invited to the meeting, who introduced the participants to the structures of services and how to use them.

Women Initiative Group of the Fund “Sukhumi” organized a round table in the village Koki (Zugdidi municipality). Participants heard information about the results of the survey, conducted on the topic of violence. They discussed the level of public awareness about services for the assistance of violence victims and access to them.

The meeting highlighted that domestic violence is especially relevant on conflict separation line. It is important to study the needs of the victims living in the villages of this zone and the availability of appropriate government programs.

The meeting was held in frames of the project “GREWS – Gender Responsive Early Warning System”.

Members of the Fund “Sukhumi” Women Initiative Group held round table meetings with the population. The first meeting was held in the community of the village Khurcha (Zugdidi municipality). The participants got acquainted with the primary data of the monitoring conducted on the topic of domestic violence.

- How actual is the problem of violence in the village near the conflict separation line, what information does the population have, whom to contact in case of violence - the discussion was held on these issues.

The participants mentioned that lack of information, territorial distance, lack of finances are the serious factors in the process of addressing. 

A round table was held in Terjola with the participation of local referral subjects. The topic of the meeting was “Prevention of Violence and Protection of Violence Victim”.

The participants talked about the reasons that prevent them from cooperating, as well as what is the contributing factor and how to improve coordination between the referral subjects. According to them, the Gender Equality Council is a structure that can activate all referrals and direct their efforts to prevent violence.

Fund "Sukhumi" completed a cycle of round tables. The last, ninth round table was held in the meeting room of Lanchkhuti City Hall. The meeting was attended by representatives of local government, medical and educational sectors, the police, and the Social Services Agency.

The main topic of the meeting was violence against women / domestic violence. During active discussions, the problem of insufficient communication between referral mechanisms was mentioned, and recommendations for improvement of cooperation were developed.

A round table organized by the Fund “Sukhumi” on the topic: “Prevention of Violence and Protection of Violence Victim” was held in Zugdidi.

The meeting was attended by local referral subjects: representatives of the court, the police, the Social Service Agency, and local government. They talked about their role and experience, gave examples. There was emphasized the need for improving coordination between them and the special role of the Gender Equality Council in this regard.

Fund “Sukhumi” held the fourth round table on: "Prevention of violence and protection of violence victim".

Local representatives of referral subjects gathered in Kutaisi Sakrebulo. Representatives of law protecting structures and social services were especially active. They shared their experiences with other participants, and drew attention to the preventive mechanisms of violence.

The aim of the round table is the exchange of information between the referral subjects. The  Gender Equality Council should take care of improving coordination. The work will be continued in this direction.