An online meeting was held via Zoom for women living near the dividing line between the Tsalenjikha and Zugdidi municipalities. The meeting was organized by the Women’s Fund Sukhumi and focused on one of the most complex and often invisible issues — technology-facilitated abuse in intimate relationships.

Participants discussed how violence continues in digital spaces and how technology can become a tool of control and pressure. Women shared their everyday experiences — challenges that are rarely visible online yet cause real psychological and social harm.

Special attention was given to practical issues: protecting personal accounts, preserving digital evidence, and learning about services where women can seek support.

The most powerful part of the meeting was the participants’ sincere reflections.

One participant noted:
“Unfortunately, in regions and villages, this issue is often viewed differently. Sharing social media passwords and banking information with husbands is considered normal by many. It is very important that you have started this conversation.”

Another participant spoke about why violence often remains unspoken:
“There are many cases of online abuse around us, but women often cannot speak out — there is little trust in society, and girls frequently do not feel supported by their parents. There have been cases when a girl shared her experience with her family and was blamed instead. In such moments, she withdraws and faces emotional struggles alone.”

The discussion also showed that the problem affects more than just women:
“Online violence is not only about women — young men are also often victims of abuse in digital spaces.”

The meeting once again confirmed that recognising the problem is the first step toward change.

Recognise. Speak. Act.

Read the guide - “Technology-facilitated abuse in intimate relationships — recognise it and protect yourself.”

The project is implemented with the support of the WAVE Network

A meeting on the topic of technology-facilitated abuse in intimate relationships was held with the participation of young people living near the dividing line between the Tsalenjikha and Zugdidi municipalities. The session was facilitated by Emma Kamkia and psychologist Eka Kvachakidze.

Together with the young participants, we discussed how violence manifests in digital spaces and how technology can become a tool of control and pressure. The conversation focused on the warning signs of digital abuse, its psycho-emotional and social consequences, as well as existing legal protection and support mechanisms.

In the practical part, participants received information on protecting personal accounts, properly preserving digital evidence, and ways to seek help when needed.

Participants noted:
“I used to think online control was just jealousy. Now I understand that it is a form of abuse.”
“The most important thing was learning that receiving help is actually possible.”

Recognise. Speak. Act.

Read the guide: “Technology-Facilitated Abuse in Intimate Relationships — Recognise It and Protect Yourself.”

The project is implemented with the support of the WAVE Network

A workshop on “Identification, Support, and Response to Domestic Violence against Women in Local Communities” was held in Geguti with the target group of women from Tskaltubo municipality. The session was led by a woman community leader.

The aim of the workshop was to inform participants about the forms of domestic violence, ways to identify it, and available support services for survivors. Attention was given to practical mechanisms that help women protect themselves and support other women affected by violence.

During the meeting, women openly shared their observations. For many, it was a new realization that violence is not limited to physical harm and also includes economic and psychological forms.

Participants’ feedback:

• “I learned about economic violence for the first time.”
• “I learned how to protect myself and help others.”
• “I realized that what I considered normal actually contains forms of violence.”
• “Many women perceive psychological violence as normal.”
• “Having such information is very important.”
• “These topics should be discussed with everyone — women, men, and young people.”
• “We learned about the local program of the Tskaltubo City Hall.”

Participants emphasized that lack of information remains a major barrier; many women do not know where and how to seek help, which complicates timely response.

The project is implemented with the support of CISU

A workshop was held in Senaki with a group of women on the topic “Identification, Support, and Response to Violence Against Women in Local Communities.” The meeting aimed to inform participants about the nature of domestic violence, its various forms, as well as existing victim support services and response mechanisms.

During the workshop, participants discussed the factors that hinder the early identification of women at risk of violence. The women noted that domestic violence remains one of the most severe social problems and requires stronger and more effective resources from the state. According to them, existing services are often insufficient to ensure timely and effective responses to cases of violence.

Special attention was paid to the role of kindergartens and schools in the process of identifying violence. Participants emphasized that children are often the first to reflect family conflicts; however, effective response is frequently complicated by resistance from parents, especially mothers, which ultimately contributes to the concealment of violence.

Workshop participants also highlighted that a significant barrier to identification is the lack of information about available victim support services. Many women are unaware of existing assistance mechanisms and attempt to cope with the problem on their own, which in many cases leads to serious consequences.

The project is implemented with the support of CISU

An informational meeting on violence prevention and women’s legal rights was held in Khoni. During the meeting, participants received information about different forms of violence and the legal mechanisms available to protect survivors, including contacting the police, protective and restrictive orders, as well as access to shelters and crisis centers.

Following the meeting, a lawyer provided individual consultations to three women. The discussions covered issues related to domestic violence, psychological violence against a minor (in the context of school bullying), and legal aspects of a criminal case concerning the protection of a family member.

“It is important for women to know that the law is a tool for their protection and that receiving support is truly possible,” the lawyer noted.

Women’s Fund “Sukhumi” continues its work to protect women’s rights and prevent violence, including in the regions, ensuring that legal support is accessible to all women.

The project is implemented with the support of CISU

An informational meeting was held in Khoni aimed at raising awareness about violence and supporting participants. The main goal of the meeting was to create a safe space where women could receive reliable information about their rights, learn how to recognize violence, and feel that they are not alone in their experiences.

According to the psychologist, special attention during the meetings is given to different forms of violence, their impact on a person’s mental and emotional well-being, and the pathways that make access to support possible:

“People often live in violent environments in ways that gradually become normalized. During these meetings, many participants realize for the first time what violence is and why it should not be tolerated,” the psychologist explains.

During the meeting held in Khoni, one participant recognized for the first time that psychological pressure is a form of violence. After receiving information and support, she was referred for legal consultation. When needed, participants are also offered services from the rehabilitation center of Women’s Fund ‘Sukhumi’.

Participants themselves also speak about the importance of these meetings:

“Here I realized that my pain was not normal and that I am able to seek help,” says one beneficiary.

Another participant highlights the empowering role of knowledge:

“Knowledge gave me strength, and after this, I will tell my husband that enough is enough.”

According to the psychologist, such meetings often become the first step toward change — when a person becomes aware of their situation, receives support, and begins searching for safe ways forward:

“This is the significance of these meetings. People living in violent environments and perceiving it as normal begin to recognize reality and understand that violence should not be tolerated and that help is available.”

The project is implemented with the support of CISU

A professional training on Technology-Facilitated Intimate Partner Violence (TF-IPV) has been successfully completed, led by lawyer Ana Tavkhelidze. The training was organised with the support of the WAVE Network, within the framework of the project:
“Invisible No More: Recognising and Responding to Technology-Facilitated Violence in Intimate Partner Relationships.”

Delivered using a Training of Trainers approach, the programme combined theory and practice, including case-based discussions, analysis of response mechanisms, safety planning, and survivor-centred support strategies.

The aim of the training was to strengthen the professional knowledge and practical skills of the Women’s Fund “Sukhumi” staff in identifying technology-facilitated violence, applying legal response mechanisms, ensuring timely protection, and preventing secondary victimisation.

Participants’ Feedback

“The training was highly informative and rich in practical examples. The skills we gained will help us better support the communities we work with,” — Tea Goletiani, Monitoring Group.

“Theoretical content reinforced by real cases helped us better understand the psychological impact of technology-facilitated violence,” — Eka Kvachakidze, Psychologist.

“Despite being a one-day training, it covered an impressive range of essential issues, especially practical response mechanisms,” — Ema Kamkia, Monitoring Group.

“Working with young people shows that technology-facilitated violence is already part of their daily reality. This knowledge is crucial for prevention and timely response,” — Nino Chabukiani, Project Assistant of Youth Programme.

As a result of the training, the staff of the Women’s Fund “Sukhumi” significantly enhanced their professional capacity in the field of TF-IPV. The knowledge gained will support earlier identification of online and technology-facilitated violence, effective safety planning, appropriate response mechanisms, and the prevention of secondary victimisation.

The project is implemented with the support of the WAVE Network

In Khoni Municipality, a local women’s leader, Nazi Jiqia, conducted an information and awareness-raising meeting dedicated to identifying domestic violence against women and the existing response mechanisms. The meeting was held within the framework of an ongoing project supported by the Women’s Fund “Sukhumi.”

During the discussion, participants explored in detail the different forms of domestic violence, its early warning signs, and the practical steps that are essential for supporting survivors and ensuring timely responses. Special attention was given to survivor-centred approaches and the local support mechanisms available within the community.

According to participants’ feedback, the meeting had a strong impact on their awareness and self-perception:
“All the information was extremely important. It helped me see my own role in this issue differently.”
“It was very interesting to go through the forms of violence in detail and receive guidance on how a survivor can be identified.”
“I learned that a survivor can apply to Khoni City Hall and benefit from the municipal programme.”
“Meetings like this are essential - more people need to have access to such important information.”

The event once again highlighted that awareness, knowledge of local resources, and solidarity are critically important for the prevention of domestic violence and for effective response.

The project is implemented with the support of CISU

On December 17, a workshop was held in Zugdidi with a group of women on the topic: “Identification, Support, and Response to Domestic Violence against Women in Local Communities.”

During the workshop, participants received information on the forms and dynamics of domestic violence, available support services and mechanisms for survivors, as well as early identification of women at risk and appropriate response strategies.

The meeting was conducted in a discussion-based format, creating a safe space for women to openly and actively share their views and personal experiences. The discussions highlighted that domestic violence is still widely perceived as a private family matter, which often discourages intervention and reinforces silence.

Participants emphasized that silence does not ensure safety and that timely intervention and access to information are crucial. Particular attention was paid to the issue of social stigma, which frequently forces women to hide violence due to fear of judgment and exclusion. According to participants, such families exist in every community, yet community passivity remains a significant challenge.

Workshop participants agreed that every woman should have access to information about available support services for survivors of violence. Awareness increases readiness to seek help and plays a vital role in the prevention and effective management of domestic violence cases.

The project is implemented with the support of CISU

“No to violence against women!” — with this unified message, community members in Senaki and Zugdidi joined the global movement, reminding society once again that violence against women is never normal for any community and no woman should ever stand alone.

The meetings, initiated by community leaders and held in small-group and individual formats, highlighted an important truth:
👉 Society needs more responsibility, more solidarity, and less silence.
👉 Violence is not a private issue, it is a shared problem that requires collective resistance.

Together, we are creating a space where violence is no longer tolerated and where every woman feels safe, seen, and supported.

The project is implemented with the support of the DANNER - Kvindecenterfonden Dannerhuset