A group of 50 prosecutors and 9 investigators received their certificates for completing a 4-day specialisation training on sexual violence crimes. The series of  trainings were a joint effort by the Council of Europe, the General Prosecutor’s Office and the UN Women Georgia.

The participants learnt about key concepts of sexual violence, international and European legal framework, national standards and practices as well as psychological aspects of working with the victims".  The trainings were based on the findings of the study “Administration of Justice on Sexual Violence Crimes against Women in Georgia” and  the manual for investigators, prosecutors and judges on dealing with the sexual violence crimes, developed in co-operation with the national authorities, UN Women and Equality Now (NGO).

“Prosecution and investigation of sexual violence have several layers: the legal aspects, professionalism of people, and also public perception. General Persecutors’ Office of is actively involved in the training process of prosecutors for them to have the proper understanding not only about the legal techniques but all the psychological and sociological effects of sexual violence”. - stated the Head of Council of Europe Office in Georgia, Natalia Voutova at the ceremony.

The Prosecutor General, Irakli Shotadze during the event highlighted: “Our goal is to enhance the quality and effectiveness of prosecutorial oversight in criminal cases of these categories. Specialisation is an important step towards this goal.”

The participants gave positive feedback on the training: “I am sure, that the knowledge and skills gained during the training will enable us, through our role, to promote effective administration of justice for sexual violence crimes”, said Ani Khubejashvili, Vake-Saburtalo district prosecutor.

“Translating the provisions of the Istanbul Convention into national contexts and putting them into practice will significantly help us to provide fast, efficient and victim-oriented administration of justice”, stated Tamar Zurabishvili, Samtkhe-Javakheti district prosecutor.

The activity was organised in the framework of the Council of Europe Project “Promoting an Integrated Approach to End Violence against Women and Enhancing Gender Equality in Georgia".