November 25 is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. This day marks the launch of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, which the Public Defender of Georgia joins annually.

The main call of the 2025 global campaign is to unite against digital violence against women, which once again emphasizes the many manifestations of violence against women, which in the modern era is particularly active in the online space and includes, among others, cyberbullying, hate speech, dissemination of personal information and other cases of digital violence.

Violence against women and domestic violence in Georgia remain significant challenges. In 2025, a number of cases of violence against women and domestic violence were reported in the country. The Public Defender's Office of Georgia examined 15 publicly reported cases of alleged femicide/attempted femicide, including the case of an ex-husband stabbing his ex-wife while on electronic monitoringafter leaving prison early. The person in question was serving his sentence for violence against his wife. The existence of such cases every year indicates the problematic nature of femicide prevention and the need to address it comprehensively.

The cases of violence against women and domestic violence studied by the Public Defender's Office of Georgia make it clear that the response of law enforcement agencies is also a challenge, including the failure to apply the risk assessment document in practice and the refusal to issue a restraining order or launch an investigation.

Prevention is the most powerful tool in combating violence. Inter alia, it is important to respond effectively and promptly to all cases of violence, strengthen victim protection and support services, support women's economic independence, and implement large-scale awareness-raising campaigns.

The role of civil society organizations in raising awareness of violence against women and domestic violence, supporting victims, and providing services should be emphasized.

Given the importance of civil society organizations, on September 5, 2025, the Public Defender of Georgia filed an amicus curiae brief with the Tbilisi Court of Appeal regarding the seizure of bank accounts of such organizations. (https://shorturl.at/pEUs7)

The Public Defender of Georgia calls on the State to take clear, coordinated and prevention-oriented steps against violence against women and domestic violence and to implement large-scale awareness-raising campaigns to contribute to the reduction and prevention of violence and protection of women's rights.