Interior Minister highlights efforts to tackle youth crime, domestic violence

Georgian Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri on Tuesday highlighted the Ministry’s efforts in combating crimes committed by minors, domestic violence and violence against women, and its work for protecting the rights of people with special needs.

In his address to the Parliament, Gomelauri said crimes committed by minors “remain a challenge” in the country, adding “specialised police units” had been created to address the topic.

It is important for the “entire justice system” of legislators, law enforcers, social services and the education system to “implement joint measures” for the task, he told lawmakers.

In comments about domestic violence and violence against women, Gomelauri said the risk assessment tool used by the country’s authorities had been revised with the involvement of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women and a group of international experts. The amendment is scheduled to come into force on May 1.

"Following the amendments, more victims will have the opportunity to benefit from effective means of protection from violence, such as electronic surveillance [of perpetrators]”, Gomelauri said, adding the use of the measure would require agreement from victims and their cooperation with the police.

“Active measures” taken by the Ministry last year to protect the rights of people with special needs were also a part of the address, with Gomelauri telling lawmakers related recommendations had been drawn up in 2022.