Georgia steps up its fight against domestic violence

The Government of Georgia has stepped up its game in the fight against domestic violence. 

In a move to curb domestic violence in Georgia, all police officers were now undergoing special training to combat and respond to instances of domestic violence.

Latest data showed since the beginning of this year, 13 women died as a result of domestic violence. Some were murdered while others committed suicide after fighting with their husbands.

The Interior Ministry of Georgia said it was a top priority to reduce the number of cases of domestic violence in Georgia.

The Ministry created a special group who are tasked to monitor each case of family violence. It would also analyze how the state reacted to each case and decide whether this was sufficient and appropriate or not.

"In this direction, much work is being done with help of non-governmental and international organisations,” the Ministry said.

Police officers were being given special training to cope with instances of domestic violence.

Additionally, public discussions surrounding the issue had been organised for different regions across the country, the Ministry said.

"We realise the efforts of state agencies cannot solve this very sensitive and complicated problem so it is critically important to have support from the civil sector,” read the Ministry’s written statement.

The issue was thrust into the spotlight recently when a group of non-governmental organisations that protect minorities’ rights revealed unofficial statistics about the number of violent cases.

The results showed since the beginning of this year, 13 women had died as a direct result of domestic violence.

The latest case was reported in western Georgia where a 32-year-old pregnant woman and mother of eight, was murdered by her husband after a bitter argument.

The Public Defender of Georgia made a special statement  showing his support for action against domestic violence. He called on the Ministries of Internal Affairs and Social Affairs to "act immediately" and said the rate of domestic violence in Georgia was "alarmingly high”.

"It is vital to conduct educational activities aimed to break down a culture of silence in society in regards to violence against women, to establish zero tolerance towards this crime in society," he said.

The Interior Ministry said acts of domestic violence against women and men were unacceptable. The Ministry urged every citizen of Georgia to call the police if they witnessed domestic violence or call the Ministry’s hotline if they believed police did not react appropriately to the situation.

The Ministry’s hotline is 126.