With our Train of Trainer seminars, we were not only able to deepen the interdisciplinary expertise of the people working in the field but also strengthen the existing network between the different service providers already existing in Georgia. This was particularly important as it was identified as one of the main needs of first responders during the first project year. In the course of the trainings we also put more emphasis on the exchange of international expertise by involving perspectives of Austrian experts in the field of violent protection. As a result of practice-oriented group work, a chat group was established for the participants of our trainings and the team of the newly established Legal Aid Clinic to stay in contact easily and share relevant information throughout the whole year in a more informal and flexible way. The Legal Aid Clinic which was established in October 2025 should therefore serve as a point of contact for all existing service providers in Georgia and maintain the network created through the training courses. At the same time, this network helps to efficiently refer victims of domestic violence who reach out to the Legal Aid Clinic to the appropriate service providers near them. The Legal Aid Clinic will thus function as a one-stop shop for victims of violence, offering initial legal advice on the one hand and supporting victims in seeking further help on the other. NVU students are also involved in these services, gaining important experience in dealing with socially sensitive and legally challenging issues such as domestic violence. The Legal Aid Clinic is currently working on its first cases, for which case conferences are being held between the Legal Aid Clinic team and specialists from the University of Graz and the Medical University of Graz to ensure efficient and optimal case handling. To raise awareness of this new service, we have also launched an awareness campaign in the form of a video for social media. This contains the necessary contact details for the Legal Aid Clinic and other existing service providers. Additionally, we also strengthened our cooperation with Georgian, Austrian and international working experts on violence protection by conducting expert interviews that will be published on our online channels and are intended to serve as supplementary teaching material for the textbook.
Looking ahead to the third year of the project, we want to expand the offer of the Legal Aid Clinic with a “navigator service”. Students will not only help victims of domestic violence identify the support services available, but also accompany them to the relevant service providers, to court or the police if necessary and desired, in order to break down the barriers to seeking help as efficiently as possible. Additionally, we want to continue our training activities by offering nationally accredited certificate courses. With this in mind, we are continuing to work in the third year of the project to provide the best possible support to those affected from VAWG as well as the people working in the field.
Project website COVIOCRIM | Countering violent crime against women and girls in Georgia
