2020-04-10
Notwithstanding the COVID-19 crisis, the state continues its tough policy against domestic violence and violence against women-this issue was discussed during today's meeting of the Human Rights Council's Interagency Commission on Gender Equality, Violence against Women and Domestic Violence.
Analysis of the ongoing world crisis points to growing risks of violence as one the key challenges. Despite the pandemic in Georgia, cases of domestic violence in Georgia have not grown. However, alongside economic and social risks, the state maintains constant control over risks of violence against women and domestic violence.
During the meeting of the Interagency Commission, a report on measures taken against domestic violence under the state of emergency was delivered by the Deputy Minister of Justice, the Deputy Interior Minister, and the Deputy Chief Prosecutor, also by the Head of the State Fund for Protection and Assistance of (Statutory) Victims of Human Trafficking LEPL, and representatives of the Public Defender's Office.
The consultation hotline 116 006 continues 24/7. The free hotline provides anonymous psychological and legal consultations in 8 languages.
The hotline 112 also continues operating 24/7, and it is available through a special mobile application, 112 Georgia.
Crisis centers and shelters continue operating throughout the country. The Health Ministry's State Fund for Protection and Assistance of (Statutory) Victims of Human Trafficking, working partially remotely, continues providing legal and psychosocial services. Remote psychological consultations will be soon added to the list of the fund's services.
To upgrade the assessment of domestic violence data, the Interior Ministry's Human Rights Protection and Investigation Quality Monitoring Department is currently working on a new special methodology.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy Ministers of Economy and Sustainable Development, Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Regional Development and Infrastructure, and Reconciliation and Civic Equality of Georgia, also the Head of the Civil Service Bureau, and representatives of relevant governmental structures and international and civil society organizations.
During the meeting, the representatives of civil society discussed the challenges encountered in daily practices due to the changing situation. The commission will continue working on said challenges in order to eliminate them.
Press Service of the Government Administration