Discussion of the draft of national strategy on prevention of violence was held at “Radisson Blu Iveria”. The event was opened by the Administration of the Georgian Government. National strategy draft was presented by the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Levan Izoria. Event was attended by Minister of Internal Affairs Aleksandre Tchikaidze, Minister of Leibour, Health and Social Affairs Davit Sergeenko, representatives of the diplomatic corps, international and non-governmental organizations.
During introduction of the document, Deputy Minister noted that police resource is not the sufficient effort in the fight against violence and criminal; it is important to analyze factors of violence origination and circumstances, to focus on its reduction, improve public opinion and to create appropriate legal culture; it is important to make assessment of mechanisms for prevention of violence and current management, to increase efficiency and implementation of new mechanisms.
In order to achieve goals set by the National Strategy on Prevention of Violence, the working version of the document will undergo changes through the active participation of the society and by means of organizing relevant discussions that will contribute to elaboration of the final draft of the document.
Aim of the National Strategy on Prevention of Violence is to define relevant directions in the long term perspective. Strategy is the expression of the State’s readiness- to face challenges existing in contemporary society and to make prevention of violence with involvement of various public institutions. Objective of preventing violence is to decrease facts of violence all across the country, enhancing the fight against violence to ensure involvement of the state and society in this regard, to create safe environment without violence.
Strategy includes all directions, especially topical for the society, namely: prevention of domestic violence, violence at streets and schools with relevant mechanisms. Concrete preventive mechanisms are civil education (studying democracy, informing society on negative impact of addiction) mediation, re-socialization and rehabilitation. It is also important to improve effectiveness of ongoing activities and introduction of new ways for preventing violence.
Document contains detailed information on the core problems, causes, prevention mechanisms and challenges of various types of violence (including domestic violence and violence in streets and schools). In terms of domestic violence document is focused on temporary and long-term activities regarding the protection of the victims. In the angle of prevention and managing domestic violence, it is important to protect victim and rehabilitate offenders as well.
Increasing of public awareness is noted in the document of scheduled activities for increasing effectiveness of prevention of domestic violence; improving credibility with regard to law enforcing agencies; boosting qualification of police officers in connection of gender crimes with the view of changing approach to such facts; developing skills among policemen in risk evaluation; elaboration of Mandatory standard operating procedure for the law enforcers; simplification of the procedures on approval of restraining orders of the court; re-trainings of employees of various agencies (teachers, doctors, social workers and justice system officials).
In order to accomplish goals set by the strategy, the national action plan on prevention of violence will be elaborated through the active participation of the society and by means of organizing relevant discussions ad debates. Short and long term activities, as well as indicators and responsible agencies will also be defined for accomplishing strategy goals.
National strategy on prevention of violence is aimed not only at eradicating social reasons causing violence, but also at reducing feasibilities of committing crime and ensuring public safety.
It is notable that strategy is aimed at creating mutual approach of the government in terms of the prevention of violence with active involvement of the society and considering best international practice.
