Others have defended themselves, so you can too!

Domestic abuse continues to be a serious issue throughout the world, includingGeorgia, where it should be noted that many cases have come to light recently. According to data gathered by the National Statistics Office of Georgia between 2015 and 2018, 14,360 women were victims of domestic violence. However, in the four years between 2019 and 2022, the number of women who were victimized almost doubled, reaching 28,575. This increase in reported cases may be due to increased awareness and efforts to combat domestic violence in Georgia, but it also highlights the urgent need for continued action and support for victims.

The State Agency for Care and Assistance of Victims of Human Trafficking (AtipFund) has been operating since 2006 in Georgia, providing assistance and support to victims of domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking, elderly persons, and neglected children. Their services include access to shelters, hotlines, legal aid programs, and counseling. The number of people seeking help from AtipFund has been increasing every year. For example, in 2022, the center served 3886 people, which was an 87% increase from the previous year. This highlights the continued need for services and support for victims of violence and abuse. AtipFund is not only focused on providing direct services but is also actively involved in educational and advocacy campaigns.

Ana (identified only as "Ana" to protect her anonymity) is a brave survivor who sought refuge at AtipFund's shelter after experiencing the traumas of domestic violence. With the help of AtipFund, Ana was able to escape her abusive relationship and receive the support she needed to start rebuilding her life. She is a mother of five who has survived despite experiencing various types of domestic violence. She was the victim of psychological and physical abuse from her ex-husband. Her problems began two years after their marriage, when she realized that her husband was not the person she thought he was. She tried to survive and protect herself and her children, but she discovered that she was alone, with no relatives or family to support her. Ana had nowhere to go and no information about the crisis centers or shelters, so she called the police, who arrested her husband. After several years, Ana believed that the perpetrator could be changed and she could reclaim her life with her husband and children, but nothing changed, and things worsened. Ana claimed it was revenge from the perpetrator who threatened her with killing her parents, so Ana was forced to endure insults and abuse once more.

"I was considering killing him because I couldn't see any other way out. I was troubled and attempted suicide several times; I was on the verge of craziness," Ana said.

She made the decision to contact the police again, but then she realized that her decision was a grave error because, had she not done so, her father would still be alive because the criminal had decided to kill Ana's father in retaliation.

In an effort to exact revenge on the wife, domestic violence in this case reached familicide and patricide levels. Which demonstrates how risky it is to maintain composure and keep a problem hidden. It is important to recognize the warning signs of domestic violence and seek help before it escalates to such extreme levels. Victims should not be afraid to speak out and seek support from trusted individuals or organizations.

Amiran (Bako) Maghularia, a psychologist at the Tbilisi Crisis Center for Victims of Violence, noted:

“Complex trauma is closely related to shame and self-absorbed dysfunctional thoughts (self-blame, superstition that sacrifice will pay off, fitting a global unhealthy label, etc.). This frequently hinders the process's ability to be carried out effectively.”.

Maghularia also emphasizes the importance of a trauma-informed approach that takes into account the unique experiences and needs of each individual, as well as the need for ongoing support and resources to facilitate healing and recovery.

Now that the perpetrator has been taken into custody, Ana tries to live a normal life with her kids. But up until this point, she recalls being relocated to a shelter with her children:

"I was in such deep depression that I don't remember anything, but after coming to the shelter and working with specialists, I was able to return to life, study a new profession, and continue my life for my children."

Anuka Khafava, a psychologist at the Children's Integrated Center (the Violence Victims Crisis Center in Tbilisi), saysthat living in a violent environment can cause trauma for children, and this trauma may go unnoticed by those around them. It can also have long-lasting effects. It is crucial for both children and adults in the family to participate in the process of managing behavior. This is important because any recommendations given must be followed by the whole family.

"Aggressive behavior, emotional instability, vocal or motor tics, nocturnal enuresis, nightmares, and other symptoms can be brought on by being in a violent environment. Without assistance, a child or adolescent might not be able to function. There are people they can confide in who genuinely care about them, will listen to them, and will provide ongoing support. This will enable them to recover their sense of normalcy while also enabling them to process the upsetting event." She added.

Ana used to think shelter was the worst place to live, but now she knows that without their help, she would not be alive because she left the house without any money or clothes. Shelter provided her with all the essentials  until she was able to rent an apartment and start a job.

Ana's problems don’t end here; she’s not sure what will happen when the criminal is freed from prison. She is apprehensive about the likelihood that the perpetrator may seek vengeance or attempt to harm them following his release. Therefore, Ana wants to leave the country but is unable to do so because Georgian law forbids women from bringing their children abroad without their father's approval.

Marika Jordania, an attorney with the Tbilisi Crisis Center for Victims of Violence, provides information about these cases. The second chapter of the Civil Code describes in detail the equal rights and obligations of parents towards their children, regardless of the parents' status (victim or perpetrator). According to Georgia's current legislation, a person who has been designated as a victim of violence has the opportunity to benefit from free legal services, advocacy, and representation in law enforcement and judicial bodies. This means that the father's law is decided by the court if he is unable to fulfill the rights and obligations granted by it. Nevertheless, Jordania made the following observation:

“The court and investigative bodies take swift action to ensure the participants' safety, and the response/issuance of the pertinent document is prompt. Unfortunately, civil disputes involving alleged violations of parental and child rights continue for years because of the excessive number of cases in the courts (appeal, cassation). Sessions cannot be quickly recorded while decisions retain their legal force.”

It should be noted that the victim mentioned here (along with any dependents) continues to utilize a variety of Agency/Tbilisi Crisis Center services, which is essential for his recovery and stimulation of an independent life.

The Atipfund ruling applies to the Tbilisi Crisis Support Center for Victims of Domestic Violence, which was established in 2016 as the country's first state-run crisis center with assistance from the Swedish government as part of the UN Joint Plan for Gender Equality.It offers a 24-hour hotline for consultations at 116-006. This hotline is accessible across Georgia, including the occupied areas, speaks nine different languages, and connects callers, psychologists, and lawyers. The center has also taken over the *111 children's hotline for allegations of child abuse and neglect in order to facilitate the rescue of children from abusive families.

According to Indira Robakidze, director of the Tbilisi Crisis Center for Victims of Violence, the efficient and ongoing provision of services to victims of violence was crucial at the time. It intensified throughout COVID-19, and numerous women in the situation have received aid from the institution. Remote platforms for service delivery were essential because COVID-19's limitations and exclusion exposed many women and girls to common dangers.

She also identifies three major advancements made in recent years. The first is a new Center for Psychological and Social Services for Children Victims of Violence, which was implemented with UNICEF and is based on the Nordic Barnahus model. It was opened on July 13, 2022, with the goal of preventing retraumatization in young victims of sexual assault and bringing investigative actions and rehabilitation into one space. The center provides a safe and child-friendly environment where victims can receive medical, psychological, and legal support all in one place. This model has been successful in other countries and is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of children who have experienced violence in this region.

The second is moving forward in legislation, so beginning on December 1, 2022, a victim of violence who suffered physical or psychological harm may now immediately file a claim with the state for reparation. Previously, the compensation was acquired from the offender.

“This is a big step toward giving victims of violence justice and making sure they get the help they need. It also emphasizes the state's obligation to make amends for harm done to victims as a result of criminal activity,” Robakidze says.

The status of the victim of violence will no longer be necessary to stay in a shelter as of July 1, 2023, which is the third amendment. Whether or not they satisfy the conventional standards for being a victim of violence, those who are suffering from homelessness or other forms of abuse will now receive additional support and protection thanks to this change in policy.

The director of the crisis center also mentioned that the organization aims to build more shelters and crisis centers in the future due to the rise in demand.

Georgia currently has five shelters and five crisis centers. The addresses and phone numbers for crisis services are public; shelter places are private. According toRobakidze, this year, two other shelters and crisis centers will be opened. She also says ignorance and cultural taboos continue to be the main obstacles.

Author:

Tamar Gogotchuri