Ministry of Internal Affairs, along with other state agencies launched the social campaign against domestic violence –“No to Violence” with the support of the US Embassy. Aim of the campaign is to raise awareness among society on domestic violence and to emphasize the importance of citizens’ involvement in overcoming the mentioned problem. Within the frames of the campaign activities, public will be informed that victims of domestic violence are protected by the law and offenders are punished by the Georgian legislation.
Presentation was held at the Ministry of Internal Affairs and attended by the Minister of Internal Affairs Aleksandre Tchikaidze, Deputy Minister Levan Izoria, other officials of the Ministry, Minister of Labour, Health and Social Affairs Davit Sergeenko, Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Levan Kipiani, Minister of Energy Kakha Kaladze, Deputy Minister of Education and Science Ketevan Natroshvili, members of the Georgian Parliament, DCM Nicholas Berliner, Head of US Embassy’s INL office Stacy Newell, representatives of UN Women, International and non-governmental organizations.
At the presentation the informative video-“Violence is Punishable” was introduced to guests which will be aired on TV channels for three weeks. Aim of the video is to inform citizens that in case of domestic violence, they should call “112” hot line or report to the district inspector; Offenders should receive warning that domestic violence is punishable by imprisonment.
Under the initiative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs changes were made to the Criminal Code of Georgia, according to which domestic violence was registered as criminal action. On the basis of the changes domestic violence is punishable up to 1 year of imprisonment. Fight against the domestic violence is an important subject of the study program at MIA Academy. MIA employees are undergoing trainings all across the country. Specially trained district inspectors are conducting regular control, analyses of conflict families and make relevant response.
Within the frames of the campaign inspectors will hand over informative booklets in all regions of the country, prepared by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
In order to inform the youth in a better way, informative-educational meetings will be held in schools and universities of the country encompassing the capital and all regions. Meetings will be held by working group, comprised of representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Ministry of Education and Science, members of which are: head of Project Management Division of International Relations Division Maka Peradze, head of Patrol Police Faculty of Professional Training Division Nodar Saakashvili, Head of General Education Management and Development Department of the Ministry of Education and Science Nino Kvitaishvili, Chairperson of “National network for the Protection from Violence” non-governmental organization- Nato Shavlakadze and psychologist Tamar Gogotishvili.
In order to engage more people in the campaign, special contests will be held for journalists for best journalistic work. Citizens will also be involved in the contests in order to reveal author of the best slogan, photo and logo. Contest winners will be awarded with certificates and gifts by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and “UN Woman” organization.
Within the frames of the campaign the presentation of the video shot for the Rusa Morchiladze’s song will be held. The song was recorded in “Bravo Records” and is dedicated to the fight against domestic violence and performed by Georgian singers.
TV and radio shows will be dedicated to the mentioned campaign as well as social network activities as well as activities that will take place in the streets.
