The Public Defender addresses domestic violence amid pandemic
By Khatia Bzhalava
Thursday, April 9
The Public Defender (Ombudsman) of Georgia considers prevention of domestic violence and violence against women as a priority and encourages the state to secure an effective and timely response to the cases during the state of emergency.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs stated that despite the curfew, the number of reports of domestic violence hasn’t risen with the rate of application in crisis centers and shelters for victims of violence also remaining the same on average.
In response to domestic violence against women and LGBT persons as well as increased risks of applying, the Public Defender of Georgia finds it significant that the following steps are implemented:
• A special campaign should be launched against domestic violence to ensure that victims are provided with the information and have access to the protection and assistance services online, available in multiple languages.
• The methodology of monitoring and estimating the risks of domestic violence should be elaborated by the law enforcement authorities.
• In cooperation with shelters, municipalities should develop packages of financial support for the victims, who have left or will leave the shelter amid the altered economic reality.
Public Defender of Georgia proceeds to monitor the execution of decisions and policy documents adopted by the relevant authorities in relation to domestic violence and violence against women under the circumstances of the novel Coronavirus.
