Theme

Violence against women and domestic violence.

Description

Tskaltubo Municipality has developed a comprehensive program to establish gender equality principles and prevent violence. This program includes raising public awareness, developing support mechanisms for victims of violence, and implementing preventive approaches in preschool institutions.

As part of the program, the municipality first focused on informing the population. In collaboration with non-governmental organizations, they conducted training sessions and prepared informational brochures that were distributed in the community. These brochures contain information on recognizing and preventing various forms of violence, allowing the population to better understand the nature of the problem and possible solutions.

The composition of the Gender Equality Council was expanded to include representatives from city council factions and non-governmental organizations, which diversified approaches to violence prevention issues. Council members received specialized training to provide consultations and support to victims in cases of violence.

Special emphasis was placed on violence prevention in preschool institutions. Training sessions were conducted for kindergarten staff in the municipality, introducing them to signs of domestic violence and preventive mechanisms. As a result, response teams were formed in all kindergartens, consisting of the kindergarten manager, methodologist, and one teacher. These teams are responsible for informing parents about violence prevention methods and support resources.

Additionally, regular informational meetings with parents were held with the involvement of kindergarten staff, aimed at raising awareness on violence-related topics. These activities will contribute significantly to the fight against domestic violence.

As part of the information campaign, a video clip was prepared, and 1,000 GEL was allocated from the budget for printing brochures, which aided the awareness-raising process.

These initiatives have helped strengthen violence prevention mechanisms, increased public awareness, and ensured the creation of a safe and supportive environment in kindergartens for children and their families.

Implementing Organization

Tskaltubo Municipality

Challenge

The local self-government’s Health and Social Protection Service was frequently approached by victims of violence seeking assistance, particularly for rental housing support. The budget provided assistance only for those who officially held victim of violence status, which is why the service required relevant documentation. However, due to fear and shame, most victims were unable to obtain this documentation and avoided contacting the appropriate authorities.

Solution

Close cooperation with non-governmental organizations working on gender equality issues has facilitated better detection of violence cases and raised awareness on gender equality issues among community members. During meetings with the population, special attention was paid to the involvement of rural women, internally displaced persons from occupied territories, representatives of socially vulnerable families, including victims of violence, in artistic, creative, professional, and educational programs, which significantly increased the participation of these groups.

Municipal bodies ensure equal participation of women and men in the decision-making process. Additionally, gender equality-oriented municipal programs have been developed and implemented in the fields of healthcare and social security, aimed at meeting existing needs in this direction and promoting equality.

Contact Information

Tskaltubo Municipality City Hall, Head of Health and Social Protection Service – Natia Chakvetadze. Email: natiachakvetadze@rambler.ru