Nigerian Citizen Arrested for Domestic Violence in Tbilisi

A Nigerian citizen has been detained in Tbilisi on charges of domestic violence against his wife.

The detainee, identified as A.V. and born in 1989, verbally insulted and physically attacked his wife. The crime is punishable by up to two years in prison.

In December 2018, the Georgian government issued a law that would ensure more severe punishment for certain forms of domestic violence.

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, the Georgian government is not losing sight of the work it has been doing to tackle domestic violence. More so as the pattern of increasing abuse due to the coronavirus lockdowns is already noticeable worldwide.

Victims of domestic abuse may use the application ‘112 Georgia’ through its silent alarm (SOS) and text chat services, in case they are not able to talk. The application can be downloaded on Android phones and iPhone for free, and is available in Georgian, English and Russian languages.

The heightened threat to the victims of domestic abuse was a predictable side effect of the coronavirus lockdowns. In many countries there have been calls to ensure continuity in service provision and to keep offering support and protection to those in need. 

By Elene Dzebisashvili