Recognizing Violence, Knowledge, and Support — Meeting in Khoni

An informational meeting was held in Khoni aimed at raising awareness about violence and supporting participants. The main goal of the meeting was to create a safe space where women could receive reliable information about their rights, learn how to recognize violence, and feel that they are not alone in their experiences.

According to the psychologist, special attention during the meetings is given to different forms of violence, their impact on a person’s mental and emotional well-being, and the pathways that make access to support possible:

“People often live in violent environments in ways that gradually become normalized. During these meetings, many participants realize for the first time what violence is and why it should not be tolerated,” the psychologist explains.

During the meeting held in Khoni, one participant recognized for the first time that psychological pressure is a form of violence. After receiving information and support, she was referred for legal consultation. When needed, participants are also offered services from the rehabilitation center of Women’s Fund ‘Sukhumi’.

Participants themselves also speak about the importance of these meetings:

“Here I realized that my pain was not normal and that I am able to seek help,” says one beneficiary.

Another participant highlights the empowering role of knowledge:

“Knowledge gave me strength, and after this, I will tell my husband that enough is enough.”

According to the psychologist, such meetings often become the first step toward change — when a person becomes aware of their situation, receives support, and begins searching for safe ways forward:

“This is the significance of these meetings. People living in violent environments and perceiving it as normal begin to recognize reality and understand that violence should not be tolerated and that help is available.”

The project is implemented with the support of CISU