Georgian Interior Ministry presents bill to prevent domestic violence, support victims

Restraining orders may be issued for up to nine months instead of the current six months. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge. 

Agenda.ge, 13 Sep 2019 - 13:06, Tbilisi,Georgia

The Georgian Interior Ministry has presented a bill to the government of Georgia which aims to prevent domestic violence and ensure better protection and further support for victims of violence. 

The changes offer to introduce the use of electronic bracelets to avoid repeated cases of violence and expand the validity period of restraining orders. 

The proposed amendments to the law are as follows: 

  • In the case of the threat of repeat violence, a possible perpetrator may be required to wear an electronic surveillance bracelet. 
  • The Interior Ministry appeals to a court for permission to oblige the individual to wear the bracelet, to which the court must reply within 24 hours. 
  • If a perpetrator refuses the use of the electronic surveillance bracelet, he/she will face criminal prosecution and up to one year in prison. 
  •  Restraining orders may be issued for nine months instead of the current six months. The court will specify the exact time period. 
  • The definition of a family member is expanding and it will also cover an individual who was in an unregistered marriage in the past, a recipient of support, a person in guardianship and care.

The changes are being carried out with the participation and support of the UN Women, which has already purchased 100 electronic bracelets and donated them to the Interior Ministry.