Online Meeting with Women’s Groups

An online meeting was held via Zoom for women living near the dividing line between the Tsalenjikha and Zugdidi municipalities. The meeting was organized by the Women’s Fund Sukhumi and focused on one of the most complex and often invisible issues — technology-facilitated abuse in intimate relationships.

Participants discussed how violence continues in digital spaces and how technology can become a tool of control and pressure. Women shared their everyday experiences — challenges that are rarely visible online yet cause real psychological and social harm.

Special attention was given to practical issues: protecting personal accounts, preserving digital evidence, and learning about services where women can seek support.

The most powerful part of the meeting was the participants’ sincere reflections.

One participant noted:
“Unfortunately, in regions and villages, this issue is often viewed differently. Sharing social media passwords and banking information with husbands is considered normal by many. It is very important that you have started this conversation.”

Another participant spoke about why violence often remains unspoken:
“There are many cases of online abuse around us, but women often cannot speak out — there is little trust in society, and girls frequently do not feel supported by their parents. There have been cases when a girl shared her experience with her family and was blamed instead. In such moments, she withdraws and faces emotional struggles alone.”

The discussion also showed that the problem affects more than just women:
“Online violence is not only about women — young men are also often victims of abuse in digital spaces.”

The meeting once again confirmed that recognising the problem is the first step toward change.

Recognise. Speak. Act.

Read the guide - “Technology-facilitated abuse in intimate relationships — recognise it and protect yourself.”

The project is implemented with the support of the WAVE Network