Ombudsman: Government has failed to address violence against women
By Tatia Megeneishvili
Wednesday, November 12
Public Defender Ucha Nanuashvili addressed the government demanding that it take decisive measures to stop violence against women.
“Frequent facts of the murder of women are a public problem and we have failed to take effective measures against this violence,” said Nanuashvili.
Nanuashvili warns that because of this failure, the situation may get worse.
“During the last six months, more than 20 women were killed based on domestic violence. The scale of this dangerous trend is alarming and the authorities must take measures to control the situation,” stated Nanuashvili.
The ombudsmen drew attention to the fact that there is no strategy for fighting domestic violence in the country.
“Although some private agencies are implementing various activities, it is clear that we have not any genuine strategy. I appealed to the government in May and asked to them to develop a strategy for combating domestic violence, but the process has been delayed,” stated Nanaushvili.
The government members state that some changes are planned in the legislation to address the problem.
Minister of Justice Thea Tsulukiani has stressed that the government is working on the issue, but there are several issues that will hinder the process.
“We are now discussing what must be done, not only for prevention, but to stamp out this form of violence altogether. The law should become stricter in terms of domestic violence,” Tsulukiani said, adding that the amendments in the law will not be enough to adequately address the problem, as mentalities towards women also need to change.
The Interior Ministry also recognizes that the current procedures are ineffective. The ministry says that police officers will now issue restraining orders in the future and instead might detain those committing violence against women.
