A meeting on the topic of technology-facilitated abuse in intimate relationships was held with the participation of young people living near the dividing line between the Tsalenjikha and Zugdidi municipalities. The session was facilitated by Emma Kamkia and psychologist Eka Kvachakidze.
Together with the young participants, we discussed how violence manifests in digital spaces and how technology can become a tool of control and pressure. The conversation focused on the warning signs of digital abuse, its psycho-emotional and social consequences, as well as existing legal protection and support mechanisms.
In the practical part, participants received information on protecting personal accounts, properly preserving digital evidence, and ways to seek help when needed.
Participants noted:
“I used to think online control was just jealousy. Now I understand that it is a form of abuse.”
“The most important thing was learning that receiving help is actually possible.”
Recognise. Speak. Act.
Read the guide: “Technology-Facilitated Abuse in Intimate Relationships — Recognise It and Protect Yourself.”
The project is implemented with the support of the WAVE Network
An online meeting was held via Zoom for women living near the dividing line between the Tsalenjikha and Zugdidi municipalities. The meeting was organized by the Women’s Fund Sukhumi and focused on one of the most complex and often invisible issues — technology-facilitated abuse in intimate relationships.
Participants discussed how violence continues in digital spaces and how technology can become a tool of control and pressure. Women shared their everyday experiences — challenges that are rarely visible online yet cause real psychological and social harm.
Special attention was given to practical issues: protecting personal accounts, preserving digital evidence, and learning about services where women can seek support.
The most powerful part of the meeting was the participants’ sincere reflections.
One participant noted:
“Unfortunately, in regions and villages, this issue is often viewed differently. Sharing social media passwords and banking information with husbands is considered normal by many. It is very important that you have started this conversation.”
Another participant spoke about why violence often remains unspoken:
“There are many cases of online abuse around us, but women often cannot speak out — there is little trust in society, and girls frequently do not feel supported by their parents. There have been cases when a girl shared her experience with her family and was blamed instead. In such moments, she withdraws and faces emotional struggles alone.”
The discussion also showed that the problem affects more than just women:
“Online violence is not only about women — young men are also often victims of abuse in digital spaces.”
The meeting once again confirmed that recognising the problem is the first step toward change.
Recognise. Speak. Act.
Read the guide - “Technology-facilitated abuse in intimate relationships — recognise it and protect yourself.”
The project is implemented with the support of the WAVE Network
A workshop on “Identification, Support, and Response to Domestic Violence against Women in Local Communities” was held in Geguti with the target group of women from Tskaltubo municipality. The session was led by a woman community leader.
The aim of the workshop was to inform participants about the forms of domestic violence, ways to identify it, and available support services for survivors. Attention was given to practical mechanisms that help women protect themselves and support other women affected by violence.
During the meeting, women openly shared their observations. For many, it was a new realization that violence is not limited to physical harm and also includes economic and psychological forms.
Participants’ feedback:
- “I learned about economic violence for the first time.”
- “I learned how to protect myself and help others.”
- “I realized that what I considered normal actually contains forms of violence.”
- “Many women perceive psychological violence as normal.”
- “Having such information is very important.”
- “These topics should be discussed with everyone — women, men, and young people.”
- “We learned about the local program of the Tskaltubo City Hall.”
Participants emphasized that lack of information remains a major barrier; many women do not know where and how to seek help, which complicates timely response.
The project is implemented with the support of CISU
The "Social House for Community Needs" initiative, presented by Senaki mutual assistance group, will soon be launched.
Small household appliances and garden tools are already purchased by group members for shared use as part of the initiative.
A Karcher high-pressure washing machine will completely replace the hand wash of carpets, cars, and other bulky items, making the work easier for women and men and improving the well-being of the community.
Tools needed for garden and yard improvement will help community members address common problems that have existed in the settlement for years.
The entire IDP community: women, men, and youth will benefit from the services of the “Social House”.
Members of the mutual assistance group have new ideas for the future related to expanding the functions of the “Social House”.
The project is implemented by a coalition of non-governmental organizations: the Association of IDP Women "Consent," the Women's Information Center, and Charity Humanitarian Women Fund “Sukhumi”.
Renovation of an old park on the territory of church and installation of benches and trash bins in the parks - these two initiatives, implemented by the women's mutual assistance group "Community Power" in Khoni IDP settlement, is coming to its end.
The funds requested for these civic initiatives are fully utilized, all necessary equipment is purchased, and community residents are awaiting good weather to begin work.
Amusement rides, benches, trash bins, and a lawn mower - the acquisition of all these items and the materials needed for their installation means the creation of comfortable open spaces and a cleaner environment.
As a result, the implementation of these initiatives will increase community engagement and their sense of responsibility for their own settlement.
The project is implemented by a coalition of non-governmental organizations: the Association of IDP Women "Consent," the Women's Information Center, and Charity Humanitarian Women Fund “Sukhumi”.
Through the active work of Poti mutual assistance group, critical needs of the IDP settlement were identified. The women's initiative received financial support from our organization. As a result, the problem of stagnant water in basements will no longer bother residents – water pumps have been purchased for five buildings.
Additionally, cosmetic renovations to the entrances have begun, making the living environment much safer and more pleasant. By the end of the month, all necessary materials will be delivered, and the work will be completed in stages.
One of the key values of initiative is the active involvement of the local population. The IDPs themselves will improve the settlement and change the existing situation. This is a good example of how community unity and civic engagement can lead to real changes.
The project is implemented by a coalition of non-governmental organizations: the Association of IDP Women "Consent," the Women's Information Center, and Charity Humanitarian Women Fund “Sukhumi”.
The Christmas and New Year holidays are over, educational process in schools have resumed, and our youth groups have also begun their work...
The training course has begun in 10 target municipalities. Trainings have already been held at Youth Empowerment Centers in six municipalities – according to plan, without any problems.
Meeting participants listen with interest to the trainers, engage in discussions, and discuss important topics.
Young leaders have appeared everywhere, and prepare for the final meetings.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Relationships between parents and children, drug addiction, migration—the Forum Theatre presented these and other actual topics at Kutaisi Youth Center.
Performing in front of their peers was particularly engaging and enjoyable for the young actors. The audience actively participated in various scenes, "changing" the course of events in their own way, and expressed their opinions during the discussions.
Thus began our Forum Theatre's new working year. Performances for a larger audience are planned for February.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
A master class for women was organized by graduates of the manicure course at Senaki Community Center. The event was part of a civic initiative that has been running in the Senaki IDP settlement from November to January.
Master class participant: This was my first time practicing this procedure with a specialist. It's a very good initiative. We not only saw what our girls learned, but we also enjoyed the day.
One of the graduates: I received the best opportunity, and as a beginner, I'm very happy that women saw my possibilities.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
At each training course of all Youth Empowerment Centers, young leaders appear. Together with active participants, they share the knowledge gained during the trainings with their peers, disseminating information on conflict management and violence prevention.
Participants of the current training are also actively involved in this process and conduct the initiated events. They are assisted by teachers who believe that such work has a positive impact on teenagers.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)