Preventing domestic violence, informing citizens about victim assistance services, supporting and empowering women - social work in Women Support Centers is actively continuing in this direction.

Ten families from the risk group were identified and redirected during the month. In the process of refereeing, the consulting services of a psychologist, lawyer, and rehabilitation center were actively used. The use of services becomes the basis for positive changes in the lives of beneficiaries.

During the information meetings, it is emphasized that the issue of informing and the need for support for women remains a priority.

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

 für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)

The meetings identified problems in the relationship between parents and children. Parents talk about their children's behavioral problems, but children do not like the situation in their families.

As noted during the meetings, family stability is determined by the ability of family members to resolve conflicts constructively. Personality distortion is an ordinary condition in a family where is an atmosphere of threat, cruelty and conflicts reigns. Unfortunately, there are many dysfunctional families around us which have no strength to meet the needs of their family members in terms of their personal and spiritual growth.

The psychologist of the Women Fund “Sukhumi” held meetings at the Women Support Centers of Terjola, Samtredia, Vani, Tsalenjikha and Khobi. Her advice was useful for women, so they always look forward to the meetings.

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

 für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)

The Women Fund “Sukhumi”, with the support of the Canada Equality Fund and the German organization Bread for the World, organized a conference on the topic: "Prevention of violence against women and response with a community-based approach - practice and impact mechanisms".

The conference was opened by Ekaterine Gamakharia, head of the Women Fund “Sukhumi” Tbilisi office. The chairperson of the Women Fund “Sukhumi”, Alla Gamakharia, greeted the participants with a welcoming speech. Tea Torinava, executive director of the organization, spoke about the Digital Resource Center - the experience of providing services and empowering women who have experienced violence.

The conference was attended by mobilizers of Women Support Centres from 10 municipalities, members of women's mutual assistance groups, para-specialists of social work and representatives of civil society organisations working on women's rights.

Two panel discussions were held. It was noted that 14 civil initiatives were financed in 10 municipalities, which contributed to the creation of a non-violent environment for women and children.

At the end of the conference, the founders of the organization - Alla Gamakharia, Mery Gelashvili and Nanuli Ramishvili recalled the 28-year history of the organization and charged the participants with motivation.

The Women Fund "Sukhumi" continues to work in direction of violence prevention and women empowerment.

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

 für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)

The monitoring group of the Women Fund "Sukhumi" continued the cycle of information meetings with vulnerable groups. The meetings were held in Tskaltubo, Khoni, Samtredia, Terjola, Vani, Senaki, Zugdidi, Chokhatauri, Khobi and Tsalenjikha municipalities.

The meeting participants were provided with information about local and central programs existing in the country aimed at providing assistance and strengthening victims of violence, rehabilitation of children with autism spectrum.

Participants were also familiarized with a new brief monitoring report by the Women Fund “Sukhumi” - "Services of Support for Women Victims of Violence: Accessibility and Barriers". The report presents the results of the research concerning the access of women who have experienced violence, to support services and the attitude of the population towards them.

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

 für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)

It is always interesting to work with people who need support and empathy in the current situation. These are the people who come to the rehabilitation center of the Fund “Sukhumi”. In March, there were women and minors here. There were children who are growing up without a mother. They need an individual approach. The center's employees carried out systematic work with the beneficiaries.

Psychologist Eka Kvachakidze notes: "The family plays a huge role in the formation of a child's aggressiveness. A person maintains a characteristic style of aggressive reactions over a long period of time. We encountered such problems in the process of work, but our efforts had a positive effect on the children. This is visible in their drawings."

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

 für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)

Violence around us, our reactions to the rapist and the victim, mechanisms for protection and violence prevention - these and other issues are discussed by young actors and director Magda Chikhladze with the audience after the Forum Theatre performances.

The discussion reflects the attitude of society. And especially what else should be done to solve problems related to violence.

The Forum Theatre staged performances in Kutaisi and "forced" the audience to think about current issues.

In order for more people to see the performances staged by the Forum Theatre, it was decided to make a film. Work on the future film is currently underway.

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

 für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)

Familiarization with the results of the research conducted by the Fund "Sukhumi" was held in Kutaisi, in the office of the "Generation of Books". Parents, specialists, experts, psychologists, journalists, heads of private and public kindergartens who participated in the meeting exchanged information and emphasized actual issues:

- What is the level of family and community involvement in processes taking place in preschool institutions according to the quality standard?

- What hinders equal participation of both parents. Why is it not possible to increase the level of fathers' involvement and what incentive initiatives do preschools use to solve this problem?

- How balanced is the equal participation of parents of children with disabilities/special needs in the upbringing process?

- How high is the level of cooperation and coordination with service providers and child protection departments?

During the discussion, participants heard about the challenges as well as successful practices and confirmed that in response to the research findings, it is necessary to strengthen the involvement of the family and community, as defined by the quality standard, which will primarily increase the benefits for the child and positively balance the child-oriented environment.

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

 für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)

The final meetings at the Youth Empowerment Centers were held with some changes. There were problems, but despite this, the youth were maximally involved in the training process. They noted that they learned a lot during the course, and their educational and technical skills improved, which will be useful for them in practice.

It was especially important for the youth to receive certificates confirming the completion of the course. New groups are in the process of actively formation.

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

 für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)

The Women's Fund “Sukhumi” applies a trauma-informed approach when working with women who have experienced violence, helping them through rehabilitation and transition to a new phase of life.

This method is based on empathy, creating a safe environment, and providing support tailored to individual needs. Specialists not only offer psychological assistance but also focus on empowering women, developing their abilities, and reintegrating them as full members of society.

A trauma-informed approach allows survivors to process their experiences, receive the necessary support, and regain confidence in their own strength. This process is crucial for their empowerment and ability to start anew.

The Women's Fund “Sukhumi” continues its mission to ensure that more women receive the support they need and build a dignified and independent future.

The Women’s Fund “Sukhumi” is committed to helping survivors of violence regain their strength and rebuild their lives. Through the support of social workers and specially trained para-specialists, women receive guidance, resources, and opportunities for social reintegration. This process not only aids their recovery but also empowers them to create a safer and more dignified future.

By fostering a society where every woman has the support she needs, we take a step closer to a world free from violence.