The problem of violence against women becomes even more pressing when the online space is added to it, offering even greater opportunities for violent control.
At meetings organized by Women Support Centers, special attention was paid to the threats posed by digital technologies. It was noted that violence is shown not only in the physical environment. This is a serious challenge online as well.
The meetings focused on the importance of accessing support services for victims of violence so they can protect themselves from such threats and receive the necessary assistance in a timely manner.
Participants noted:
"Women have poor information about digital violence, which exacerbates their feelings of insecurity."
"These meetings are very useful. We can use this awareness to combat this problem."
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
How actual is the problem of domestic violence in communities?
How informed is the public about victim support services?
How do they respond to cases of violence?
Where can they find information about existing services?
Active discussions on these issues were held at informational meetings initiated by the Women Support Centers of Khurcha (Zugdidi Municipality), Tskaltubo, and Tsalenjikha.
Paraprofessionals actively work with mobilizers to strengthen social work. In parallel with case identification, referrals are underway. Three women and their children will receive psychosocial support at our rehabilitation center.
Social work facilitates access to services, which is especially important for women at risk.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
The aim of informational meetings held in Kutaisi and Senaki was to raise awareness among women and introduce them to resources that ensure the safety of women under the risk.
Participants received information about the forms and types of violence against women, as well as support services for victims of violence. They learned which hotlines are effective and why it is important to be aware of these services.
They noted that receiving such information is important, as people often do not realize that they can also become victims of online violence.
"We often don't realize that online harassment, stalking, or sharing personal information is a form of violence. Now we know whom to address for help."
According to the participants, such meetings help raise awareness in communities and promptly respond to cases of violence.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
During the informational meeting in Khoni, participants discussed the importance of improving self-esteem and stress management with a psychologist. The meeting was interactive and included both theoretical and practical exercises. The exercises helped participants identify their strengths and understand their personal resources.
"Such tests and practical tasks help us see our capabilities more clearly and analyze how we can cope with problems."
"The stress management techniques we learned are truly useful in everyday life. It's important to know how to take care of your emotional state."
Informational meetings were also held at Women Support Centers of Zugdidi, Chokhatauri, and Khobi. One of the main topics of the meetings was the discussion of forms of violence. The issue of digital violence was of particular interest.
According to the participants, "forms of violence have become more diverse nowadays, as the online space creates new risks." They noted the importance of raising public awareness and knowledge about safety rules in the digital space.
The goal of such informational meetings at the Women Support Centers is to empower women, raise their awareness, and provide practical tools to help reduce the risk of violence in their everyday lives.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Women Support Centers actively continue informational meetings aimed at raising public awareness, increasing the number of informed citizens, preventing domestic violence, and supporting and protecting victims.
The meetings are attended by kindergarten teachers, school teachers, parents, and active representatives of communities. This diverse involvement facilitates the exchange of experiences and the identification of cases.
According to the participants, domestic violence remains a serious social problem. A new threat, against women using online technologies, was noted. According to them it is especially important to have access to information about services and programs that provide assistance and protection to victims of violence.
Women support centers will continue such informational activities to give women knowledge, support, and a sense of security.
The mood and attitude of participants were reflected in their feedback:
"Domestic violence is manifested itself in new forms, and new threats have emerged. Therefore, we need to help women at the early stages, while the problem can still be resolved."
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Crafts have a long tradition in Georgia. Women knew how to sew, knit, embroider, and even prepared their own dowries. Even today, many women are interested in handicrafts.
At the request of women, our organization has opened sewing and cutting courses in several municipalities. Many women have improved their skills and even started their own small businesses.
Now it's the turn of Khurcha Women Support Center (Zugdidi Municipality). We've already brought sewing machines and the necessary materials. During two months, the women will learn a lot from the teacher, who has enthusiastically started her work.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
This year, the Women Support Centers have begun their work actively. Mobilizers and para-specialists work together in various communities to ensure that as many women as possible are informed. The introduction of victim support services contributes to the empowerment of women and the prevention of domestic violence.
Informing the public about victim support services is an important part of meetings at Women Support Centers, which serve as the basis for identifying cases and subsequently responding to them.
The meetings have already yielded results. Specific beneficiaries willing to receive existing services have been identified. Based on case analysis, they will be redirected according to their needs.
The meetings were held at Women Support Centers of Vani, Tskaltubo, Khoni, Terjola, and Tsalenjikha.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
The problem of violence against women remains a pressing issue. Informational meetings held in communities confirm this. Participants note that the number of families under the risk of violence has increased:
"Unfortunately, psychological violence still goes unrecognized. Many women consider it normal. This attitude prevents them from understanding the problem. The number of cases has increased, but women often avoid talking about it."
"When a conflict between spouses remains unresolved for months, physical violence can occur at any moment."
Meeting participants discuss problems and solutions. They believe that support for women should be ongoing. Therefore, they pay particular attention to such meetings.
"We must provide women with information; everyone should know how to protect themselves in difficult situation; whom to address and call, and what types of assistances are available".
Meetings were held at Women Support Centers of Kutaisi, Senaki, Zugdidi, and Khobi.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
During the 16-day campaign, debates and meetings of various formats were held, thematic film screenings and discussions were organized, and films with social messages were created.
Community leaders actively shared essential information with meeting participants—about rights and services that support women under the risk of violence.
The main focus of the activities was preventing violence against women, raising awareness, and ensuring a safe, non-violent environment.
People of different generations and positions were involved in the process. Against the background of the international protest, their message resonated even louder: No to violence against women!
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany
