Within the frames of the social campaign launched under the initiative of the Minister of Internal Affairs Aleksandre Tchikaidze the meeting was held with pupils of public school N3 located in Akhalkalaki. Members of the working group comprised of representatives from the MIA and Ministry of Education and Science, familiarized pupils with the aim and importance of the social campaign launched against domestic violence.
Inspector-investigator of Samtskhe-Javakheti regional main division Nona Goqishvili and psychologist form the Ministry of Education and Science Nino Nadiradze as well as representative from National Network for the Protection from Violence” Marekh Kirtadze familiarized pupils with the social campaign details and informed that victims of domestic violence are protected by the law and offenders are punished by the Georgian legislation.
The meeting was also attended by the representatives of Samtskhe-Javakheti Regional Main Division. They provided pupils with information on the role of the law enforcers and noted the violence is punishable; police protects human rights and in order to make response on the case of violence and assist the victim, it is important to report to the police regarding the fact.
Pupils of the public school were also informed on amendments implemented on the basis of the initiative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs 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.
At the meeting informative video-“Violence is Punishable” was introduced to pupils. 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.
By the end of the meeting debates were held between pupils and commission members. Commission members and representatives of the regional police provided answers to all topical questions.
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 on November 25 . 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. Informative-educational meetings will be held in schools and universities of the country encompassing the capital and all regions.
