Women’s Fund “Sukhumi” is pleased to presents its new monitoring brief titled “Support Services for Women Domestic Violence Survivors: Accessibility and Barriers.” This document is based on qualitative and quantitative research conducted by the Fund "Sukhumi"  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, 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.

 

 

Since the beginning of October, trainings with new members of the Youth Empowerment Centers of 10 municipalities have been actively launched.

The essence of conflict, peace, violence, as well as familiarization with their types and specific examples - these topics were discussed with the participants.

The trainings were conducted both with the direct participation of participants (Zugdidi, Senaki, Tsalenjikha, Khobi, Chokhatauri, Kobuleti, Tskaltubo) and online (Samtredia, Vani, Terjola). The training cycle will continue from next month in all ten municipalities.

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

 für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)

An informational meeting was held in the village Shua Khorga (Khobi municipality), attended by school teachers and parents. The main topic of discussion at the meeting was the prevention of domestic violence and protection of the victim.

The discussion focused on the role and functions of referral entities. The emphasis was on training teachers and medical personnel and providing information about services.

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

 für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)

There have been changes in the acting group of the forum theater, two actors left and two volunteers came to take their place.

The performances of the forum theater were held in the small hall of Kutaisi Meskhishvili Theater, despite the small number of spectators, the discussion was active. The theater staff positively assessed the acting of the young people, the scenes reflecting reality.

The second performance took place in the city center - this is a good experience for the youth. They are actively working, rehearsing and preparing for new performances.

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

 für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)

The monitoring and advocacy group of the Women Fund "Sukhumi" formed advocacy groups in 10 target municipalities of Western Georgia (Tskaltubo, Khoni, Terjola, Vani, Samtredia, Senaki, Khobi, Chokhatauri, Tsalenjikha, Zugdidi - the village Khurcha), whose members are active women of the communities.

The meetings were devoted to identifying and ranking issues for advocacy. The group members were informed that within the framework of the project they have the opportunity to present "civil initiatives" through which they can solve a specific problem with the help of financial support.

Important problems for local communities were identified, which could not be resolved due to lack of finance.

At the meetings it was noted that the implementation of these initiatives will allow to solve specific problems in the communities and will increase the awareness of the advocacy groups.

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

 für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)

Women Support Centers actively continue to inform citizens about services for victims. Ten cases were identified during the month, including risk groups.

In parallel with the identification of cases, they are also analyzed and assessed. Depending on the need, one part of the beneficiaries is referred to a psychologist, the other to a lawyer. Effective case management significantly reduces the risks of violence and helps to prevent violence.

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

 für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)

The Women Fund “Sukhumi” is conducting a research using the GIA tool to assess the gender impact component of family and community participation in preschool education and the standard of education quality. The research is conducted in close cooperation with the Kindergartens’ Association.

Focus groups, in-depth interviews, working meetings, and surveys are used to collect information during the research.

The final report will reflect the gender impact of the indicated program on the target groups (children, their families, preschool institution, community). The final goal of the research is to develop recommendations for expanding the participation and cooperation of families and communities in preschool education policies in order to envisage the needs and characteristics of children.

 

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

 für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)

A round table with women was held in Terjola. A lawyer of the Women Fund “Sukhumi” spoke about identifying victims of violence against women and/or domestic violence, national referral procedures for their protection, assistance and rehabilitation, as well as the services of our organization.

The participants focused on early marriages, the rights and responsibilities of minors, and the role of society. They received information about the importance of non-governmental organizations and especially noted the positive influence of the Women Fund “Sukhumi”.

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

 für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)

Women support centers actively work in different communities to ensure that there are as many informed women in society as possible. Awareness of victim support services contributes to the empowerment of women and the prevention of domestic violence.

Along with identifying problems and assisting victims, mobilizers are actively working to study the needs of women in order to continue the process of advocacy for existing problems.

In September, more than 150 women were informed in all ten centers (Khoni, Tskaltubo, Terjola, Vani, Samtredia, Zugdidi, Khobi, Senaki, Tsalenjikha, Chokhatauri), and eight people used the services of the rehabilitation center.

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

 für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)

The monitoring group of the Women Fund “Sukhumi” works on a new research aimed at studying the effectiveness of existing services for victims of violence against women/domestic violence and developing recommendations to identify strategies and new approaches to improve effectiveness.

Information on existing (and/or planned) services has been collected. In order to find best practices, we studied the work of service providers, studied the attitudes, moods and expectations of service recipients/beneficiaries.

In September, 10 in-depth interviews with beneficiaries were conducted, which allowed us to study the current situation in this regard based on specific cases.

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

 für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)

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