Georgian law provides for state-funded psychological and legal counselling as well as the assistance of a social worker to victims of domestic violence. Some assistance is also provided by non-governmental organizations.
Victims of domestic violence have the right to receive state-funded social rehabilitation services such as social, psychological and legal assistance to help them to safely exit an abusive relationship.
By ensuring and funding social rehabilitation services for adult victims of violence, the State has recognized that victims of domestic violence need, and are entitled to, social and psychological help in order to exit a power and control relationship of domestic violence. Further, legal assistance is important for preparing and submitting an application for temporary protection against violence, assist victims in criminal proceedings, and to help victims of domestic violence to reach a just resolution in divorce proceedings, child related disputes and the division of spousal property.
What kind of assistance may a victim receive?
Georgian law provides Victim Support Services/Programs which provide victims' protection, legal assistance, psychological and social assistance/rehabilitation and care for their physical and psycho emotional recovery, providing victims with temporary housing (shelter), protecting their health, professional training/retraining and/or employment. promotion and the purpose of which is to expand the opportunities of victims (predominantly female victims) and promote economic independence.
The service institutions for victims of domestic violence are shelters and crisis centres, which provide the following assistance:
- Psycho-social rehabilitation
- Medical service
- Legal aid
- 24/7 service (24-hour accommodation)
A shelter is a temporary place of residence for victims of violence, where they are accommodated for up to 4 months. Crisis centres in Georgia provide support services that help victims escape from violent environments and recover. For this purpose, the crisis centre provides the victims with psychological and social assistance/rehabilitation.
For consultations and additional information, you can contact the hotline: 2 309 903.
Victims of domestic violence can also apply to non-governmental organizations and receive advice, counselling, emotional and psychological support, and information about criminal cases.
Which human rights violations may there be?
The ability or failure of the State to provide help and assistance to victims of domestic violence should be seen in the light of the due diligence standard. It may result in a violation of human rights where state or municipal institutions deny funded help or assistance to a victim without lawful grounds.
The right to life, the prohibition of inhumane or degrading treatment and the right to private and family life
The State’s failure to provide help and a support system for domestic violence victims may, in certain cases, result in a violation of the right to life, the prohibition of inhumane or degrading treatment and the right to private and family life.
Prohibition of discrimination
Domestic violence is considered to be a form of discrimination against women, as it affects mainly women. If the State (in this case – the pertinent authorities) fails to effectively respond and provide help and support to the victims of domestic violence in cases of immediate threats to their lives, freedom or health, it may result in a violation of the prohibition of discrimination in conjunction with a violation of the right to life and/or the prohibition against inhumane or degrading treatment, and the right to private and family life.