Gender-based violence
Introducing the latest brief report by the Women Fund "Sukhumi", which assesses the effectiveness of shelters and crisis centers while identifying critical gaps and challenges. The report highlights issues such as limited geographical accessibility, insufficient psychological and multilingual support services, and the absence of childcare options for young children—factors that hinder women survivors of domestic violence from fully utilizing these facilities. It also notes that the 2023 legislative amendments, which removed the "victim status" requirement for accessing services, have yet to be implemented in municipal programs, further limiting access to local support services.
The report emphasizes the need for effective monitoring and follow-up support mechanisms to facilitate the reintegration and independent living of women survivors after leaving shelters. It advocates for strengthening shelters systemically and developing sustainable, effective rehabilitation models to provide comprehensive assistance and safeguard the rights of women affected by violence.
We present our new video about research on the risks of violence against women.
The risk indicator map is available here - https://sosfsokhumi.ge/fsdata2024
Women’s Fund “Sukhumi” is pleased to present its new monitoring brief titled “ Criteria for Selection and Evaluation of Support Services by Women Survivors of Violence: Effectiveness and esponsiveness to Needs .” This short report examines women's the attitudes of surveyed women toward the effectiveness of services, how well these services meet the specific needs of women survivors, and the criteria they use when selecting and evaluating these services.
The report findings indicate that most respondents prefer non-governmental organizations as service providers, considering them more effective and safer. In contrast, local authorities and police services are rated relatively lower, though still significant, in terms of security and problem-solving effectiveness. To improve service quality, the study also evaluates service providers based on their coordination, accessibility, and flexibility, while identifying areas that require further improvement.
This document is based on qualitative and quantitative research conducted by the Women’s Fund during May-October 2024, in which over 600 respondents were interviewed across 11 target municipalities: Chokhatauri, Kobuleti, Tskaltubo, Kutaisi, Khoni, Terjola, Samtredia, Senaki, Zugdidi, Tsalenjikha and Khobi.
The Women's Fund "Sukhumi" presents a monitoring brief titled - "Extent of Women’s Awareness of Support Services for Survivors of Domestic Violence." This brief analyzes the level of women's awareness of existing support services in the country, the sources of their information, and the challenges that significantly affect the accessibility of these services.
The document is based on qualitative and quantitative research conducted by the Women's Fund "Sukhumi" between May and October 2024, covering over 600 respondents from 11 target municipalities: Chokhatauri, Kobuleti, Tskaltubo, Kutaisi, Khoni, Terjola, Samtredia, Senaki, Zugdidi, Tsalenjikha, Khobi.
The brief reflects part of the research findings related to the accessibility of support services for women survivors of violence and the public’s attitude towards these services. It analyzes whom women affected by violence turn to for support, which services are prioritized when choices are available, and what factors hinder access to assistance and adequate support. Additionally, it reflects women’s perspectives on whether Georgia’s current social and political climate may affect the future ability of non-governmental organizations to provide support services to the community and their overall functioning.
The Women Fund “Sukhumi” has prepared and published the "Annual Report 2023". As mentioned in the introduction, in 2023 we implemented 12 projects aimed at women’s well-being.
Project: “Strengthening of Women’s Rights in Western Georgia” - Women Support Centers and Youth Empowerment Centers in 10 municipalities, rehabilitation center in Kutaisi, day rehabilitation centers, forum theater, monitoring and advocacy (with the support of the organization Brot für die Welt – Germany)
The project “Digital Resource Centre for Victims of Violence” - women's mutual assistance groups in 10 municipalities, the web page “Digital Resource Centre for Victims of Violence (with the support of the Gender Equality Fund - Canada).
The project “Bridging the Gap: People-to-People Initiatives for Conflict Resolution” – work with women and youth, medical and economic components (with the support of USAID and in partnership with the Association “Peaceful and Business Caucasus”).
The project “Strengthening the Women’s Voices” informational work on the important role of civil society organizations, in particular the Women Fund “Sukhumi” (with the support of the Urgent Action Fund For the Protection of Women’s Rights).
This Guide for Journalists - "Standards for Responsible Reporting on Violence Against Women", prepared by the Women Fund "Sukhumi", provides practical advice and best practices for reporting on gender-based violence (GBV) survivors and women activists. It emphasizes the importance of avoiding victim-blaming language, respecting privacy and dignity, highlighting strength and resilience, and promoting zero tolerance toward GBV within society. The guide also addresses how to avoid gendered stereotypes and prioritize professional achievements over personal lives when covering stories about women defenders and activists.
By following these guide, journalists can ensure their reporting is ethical, empathetic, and contributes to a culture of understanding and support for women's rights and gender equality.
This digital informational banner, created by the Women Fund 'Sukhumi' and entitled 'Gender Disinformation - Myths and Reality,' addresses common misconceptions about gender-based violence and reveals the reality behind these myths. It challenges harmful and false beliefs that circulate in society, such as the idea that women domestic violence survivors provoke violence, that domestic violence is a private family matter, that fighting against domestic violence destroys families, and that feminism undermines traditional family values.
With the information on the banner, readers will discover the truth behind these common myths and understand the real dimensions of gender-based violence.
This policy brief presents the findings of a quantitative research study conducted by The Women's Fund "Sukhumi" in 10 targeted municipalities from March to May 2024. The study, which included 1027 female respondents, address the availability of support services for victims of violence and the level of women’s awareness regarding these services. The study results show that in 2023 and 2024, the index of women who are uninformed or less informed about services is almost identical, at approximately 39%. Relatively high level of awareness of state shelters and Legal Aid Services was found, with approximately 37-46% of cases. The main sources of information about support services for victims of violence are non-governmental organizations and social networks. 46.1% of women – representatives of vulnerable group, have limited or no access to support services (a decrease of 9% compared to last year). Access to services is primarily hindered by limited and inadequate transport infrastructure (26.4%), as well as by lack of information about available services and unqualified or poor-quality services (approximately 25%).
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
This policy brief presents the findings of a quantitative research study conducted by The Women's Fund "Sukhumi" in 10 targeted municipalities from March to May 2024. The study, which included 1027 female respondents, examined victims of violence seeking support services. The document focuses on the importance of identifying incidents of violence at an early stage and reducing its impact through applying to services. According to the study results, between 2023 and 2024, 16% of the women surveyed did not seek any support services. Overall, the highest applying rates in 2024 were reported to police (112) and the hotline (116 006) (approximately 45-38% of cases). "Stigma and fear of public judgment" (27.9% of cases) are the leading reasons for not contacting any support services in cases of violence.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
