Georgian President Awards Policemen for the Fight Against Domestic Violence

The President of Georgia, Giorgi Margvelashvili, thanked the police for their fight against domestic violence, and awarded the Order of Honor to the most active police officers.

“I would like to especially thank the patrol police officers who pay special attention to the victims of domestic violence. These people are given the appropriate power, which they use to protect the oppressed and to alleviate their problems,” he said.

The President made the statement at the reception at the Presidential Palace, held as part of the Elimination of Violence Against Women campaign, initiated by Margvelashvili.

While summing-up the 16-day campaign, the President underlined that only joint efforts of each member of society can eliminate violence against women.

“Each of us should raise our voices against violence, and say that it is unacceptable. Only this way will we make the lives of our mothers, wives, sisters and the rest of the women in Georgia better,” Margvelashvili said.

Newly-elected Public Defender of Georgia, Nino Lomjaria also delivered a speech at the event. According to her, in 9 months of 2017, 22 cases of femicide have been observed in Georgia.

Lomjaria believes that the lack of economic independence is one of the main reasons why Georgian women put up with the domestic violence.

“We need to strengthen joint efforts in this direction, "the Public Defender said.

By Thea Morrison 

Related story:

2017 Statistics for Georgia: 22 Cases of Femicide