Within the frames of the social campaign- “No to Violence” launched under the initiative of the Minister of Internal Affairs Aleksandre Tchikaidze the meeting was held with students of the Art School. The meeting was held at Ivane Sarajishvili Tbilisi State Conservatory, which was attended by Shota Rustaveli Theatre and Film University, Apolon Kutateladze Tbilisi State Academy of Arts and Tbilisi State Conservatory students.
Members of the working group comprised of representatives from the MIA and Ministry of Education and Science, familiarized students with the aim and importance of the social campaign launched against domestic violence. The working group is comprised of: head of Patrol Police Faculty of Professional Training Division Nodar Saakashvili, presentative from the Ministry of Education and Science Otar Abesadze, psychologist from “National Network for the Protection from Violence” Elene Samushia, psychologist Tamar Isakadze and Tea Gogotishvili. The meeting was also attended by Rector of Tbilisi State Conservatory Rezo Kiknadze and Rector of Tbilisi State Academy of Arts Gia Gugushvili.
Students 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. At the end of the meeting members of the working group 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.
