Economic control is a form of abuse in which a person is gradually deprived of financial independence and freedom of choice. In today’s digital reality, this control is often exercised through technology — by monitoring digital payments, accessing financial accounts, and controlling online communication.
“From that day on, my money was no longer mine.
My right to choose slowly disappeared, and care turned into control.”
This is economic control — one of the most invisible yet most painful forms of technology-facilitated violence.
It may leave no visible marks, but it deeply undermines a person’s dignity, autonomy, and sense of safety.
This project is implemented with the support of the WAVE Network
Image-based abuse is a severe form of technology-facilitated violence that often begins under the guise of love and trust.
“At first, everything seemed to start with love — „Send me a photo, it will be just for me“… but that trust turned into fear, threats, and emotional abuse,” — Lika, 23
Threats to share private images or intimate content without consent are used as tools of control, intimidation, and power.
Trust is not a crime.
The crime is abusing that trust.
This project is implemented with the support of the WAVE Network
Keti’s story highlights one of the most widespread and often overlooked forms of technology-facilitated violence — cyber surveillance.
What initially appeared to be an act of care through location sharing gradually turned into constant monitoring of Keti’s daily life. Her movements were closely tracked — where she went, who she met, when she returned, and why she would “disappear” from the map.
What was framed as concern and protection ultimately became a mechanism of control.
This is not love.
This is not care.
This is control — a form of technology-facilitated violence.
If this experience feels familiar, know that you are not alone.
Technology-facilitated violence is real, and recognizing it is the first crucial step toward freedom and safety.
This project is implemented with the support of the WAVE Network
Technology-facilitated violence against women (TFVAW) often begins invisibly — within everyday digital communication, through access shared in the name of “trust,” and the gradual normalization of control in intimate relationships.
The video presents the real story of Tamar. Her testimony illustrates how sharing passwords, restricting personal space, and constant questioning in a partnership may initially be perceived as expressions of love, but over time transform into mechanisms of control and sources of lost freedom.
“I shared my passwords because I thought that was how trust was built. From that day on, my life no longer belonged to me. Questions, restrictions, control — all in the name of love. And slowly, I began to lose myself,” — Tamar.
Technology-facilitated violence against women and girls is often invisible, yet its consequences are real and severe. It limits personal autonomy, undermines a sense of safety, and erodes self-identity.
If there is a feeling that someone is controlling your digital space, this is an important warning sign. A relationship should never require the surrender of personal freedom.
Freedom should never be negotiable.
This project is implemented with the support of the WAVE Network
The guide "Prevention and response to gender-based violence in war and post-war conditions - experience and recommendations of women’s NGOs" was discussed at information meetings held in the Women Support Centers of Khoni, Chokhatauri, Vani, Terjola and Samtredia. It describes the experience of non-governmental organizations - how they work to protect women's rights during and after the war.
The meeting participants familiarized themselves with the best practices of the Fund “Sukhumi”, which occupies an important place in the guide, together with recommendations and proposals aimed at supporting women.
The project is implemented with the support of the Urgent Action Fund for Women's Human Rights
"Prevention and response to gender-based violence in war and post-war conditions - experience and recommendations of women’s NGOs" (published by the European Women's Network - WAVE).
- Information meetings on this issue were held in Tsalenjikha, Tskaltubo, Senaki, Vani and Zugdidi municipalities with different target groups.
Participants got acquainted with the best practices of women's organizations, including the Women Fund "Sukhumi", which envisages support and empowerment of women in the post-war period.
The meeting was held within the framework of the project "Organization of campaigns in society and social networks to form the importance of the CSOs work".
The project is implemented with the support of the Urgent Action Fund for Women's Human Rights
Two years ago Women against Violence Europe (WAVE) published a guide, "Prevention and response to gender-based violence in war and post-war conditions - experience and recommendations of women’s NGOs". (See the following): https://www.fsokhumi.ge/index.php/en/publications/gender-mainstreaming/item/13406-experiences-of-woman-s-ngos).
The publication is still relevant today, as it presents best practices, and one of the organizations is the Women Fund "Sukhumi". Our organization organized information meetings in municipalities in frames of the project "Organization of campaigns in society and social networks to form the importance of the CSOs work". The meeting was also held in Terjola, where the Fund “Sukhumi” has been working for many years.
The meeting participants were interested in learning about the successful experience of women's organizations, including the Fund “Sukhumi”, and noted that the organization is doing very important work for women and their families.
The project is implemented with the support of the Urgent Action Fund for Women's Human Rights
An information meeting in frames of the project "Organization of campaigns in society and social networks to form the importance of the CSOs work" was held in Tsalenjikha The meeting participants were familiarized with the guide "Prevention and response to gender-based violence in war and post-war conditions - experience and recommendations of women’s NGOs" (prepared and published by the European Women's Network - WAVE).
The publication shows the successful work of women's organizations. One example is the practice of the Women Fund "Sukhumi".
The participants were also informed about a fact that, according to the developed training module, different groups of society are familiarized with the successful experience of women's organizations.
The project is implemented with the support of the Urgent Action Fund for Women's Human Rights
An informational meeting with IDP women and girls was held in the library of the educational center of Khoni community. The participants were provided with information about the guide "Prevention and response to gender-based violence in war and post-war conditions - experience and recommendations of women’s NGOs". (Publisher - European Women's Network against Violence - WAVE).
The guidebook shows the successful practice of women's organizations during the war and in the post-war period. Particular attention was paid to the practice of the Women Fund "Sukhumi".
The participants of the meeting were familiarized with the training module on this topic, within the framework of which trainings are held and the society is informed about the best practices and strategies of women's organizations.
The meeting was held within the framework of the project "Organization of campaigns in society and social networks to form the importance of the CSOs work".
The project is implemented with the support of the Urgent Action Fund for Women's Human Rights
Ekaterine Gamakharia, the head of the Tbilisi representative office of "Women's Fund Sukhumi," participated in the 25th international conference organized by the WAVE network in Madrid. The conference focused on the topic of "Institutional violence and its impact on women's rights in Europe." Approximately 200 women's rights defenders from various European countries discussed institutional violence against women, female migrants, and disabled individuals who have experienced abuse at the hands of state structures.
During the conference, Ekaterine Gamakharia took part in a parallel panel discussion with representatives from the OSCE (Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe) and non-governmental organizations that are partners of the WAVE network. These organizations, including the Center "Women's Perspectives" in Lviv, Ukraine; the Sexual Assault Crisis Center in Yerevan, Armenia; and the "United Women of Banja Luka" Foundation in Bosnia & Herzegovina, provided insights into the project. Gamakharia had the opportunity to share information about the toolkit titled "Prevention and response to gender-based violence in the war and post-war period: Experience and recommendations of women's non-governmental organizations." The toolkit describes the experiences and best practices of women's organizations in Ukraine, Armenia, Georgia, and Bosnia-Herzegovina in preventing and responding to violence against conflict-affected women in war, protracted conflict, and post-conflict settings. The toolkit can be accessed here