Trauma-informed and victim-centred responses to violence against women and domestic violence were the focus of a training organised for 50 representatives of shelters, crisis centres and hotlines operating under the State Care Agency of Georgia, the primary provider of support services for victims of violence in the country.
The training was developed in response to the findings of the 2022 GREVIO Baseline Evaluation Report on Georgia, which highlighted the need to strengthen specialised support services and enhance the capacities of professionals working with victims of violence. The activity focused on supporting the practical implementation of the standards of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention).
Combining legal and psychological components, the training provided participants with both an overview of international and national standards and practical tools for identifying, assessing and responding to cases of violence against women and domestic violence. Particular attention was paid to trauma-informed approaches, victim protection mechanisms, high-risk case management, early identification of hidden forms of violence, and inter-agency co-operation. Through practical exercises and case analysis based on real and simulated scenarios, participants strengthened their skills in risk assessment, communication with victims, and the application of protection mechanisms in practice.
“The training strengthened my skills in applying a victim-centred approach and gave me a deeper understanding of victims’ experiences and the importance of avoiding re-victimisation” - noted one of the participants, highlighting the training’s impact on their daily work in providing support services to victims of violence in Georgia.
The initiative was organised in the framework of the project “Advancing gender equality, strengthening justice and support for women in Georgia”. The Project is part of the Council of Europe Action Plan for Georgia 2024-2027.
