The State Support Mechanism
The protection of a victim of domestic violence is not exhausted by a single order — the law creates a complete state mechanism covering the police's immediate response, shelter, support services, confidentiality and even correction of the abuser's behaviour. This mechanism is defined by the sixteenth through twentieth articles of the law, and knowing it enables the victim and their representative to use every state resource.
The Police's Duties
On receiving information about a fact of violence, the police must respond immediately and appear at the scene — regardless of who applied: the injured person, a witness or a helping person. Where a fact of violence exists, the police must take the measures provided by law to stop it, question the participants and witnesses separately — with written fixation — and supply the victim with information about her rights.
At the victim's request or in an urgent case, the police ensure her transfer to a medical institution and, with the victim's consent, the transfer of the victim and her dependants to a shelter; where necessary, the abuser is removed from the dwelling. The police also ensure the safety of the person who reported the fact, and on the victim's relocation — the taking of primary necessities and identification documents; they issue a restraining order, and in case of non-compliance with a social worker's decision on the separation of a minor — an order restricting firearms-related rights, issued for 1 month. The police draw up a protocol on each fact and the measures taken and submit it to the supervising prosecutor.
Shelter and Support Services
When the victim requests shelter services, law enforcement bodies ensure the placement of the victim and her dependants in a shelter. Importantly, the provision of shelter services does not depend on the victim's readiness to cooperate with law enforcement against the perpetrator. The victim is placed in a shelter for up to 4 months; where necessary, the period is extended under the shelter's internal rules.
In the shelter the victim retains her workplace in the same position, and support services, programmes and the crisis centre are used free of charge. The period of suspension of the labour relationship must not exceed 30 calendar days per year. Where the victim does not cooperate with law enforcement, the shelter service provider decides on the basis of objective criteria, relying on the victim's real needs — and a refusal must be substantiated.
Confidentiality and Abuser Correction
The nineteenth article of the law protects the victim's private space: information received about the victim's identity, health and psychological condition is confidential and may be disclosed only in the manner established by law. This guarantee allows the victim to turn to the state for help without fear that her personal situation will become known to the wider public.
The law holds even the abuser accountable: measures directed at correcting his attitudes and behaviour imply measures aimed at changing violent conduct and providing psycho-social assistance, whose goal is to prevent the repetition of violence and ensure the victim's safety. Achieving this importantly includes the abuser's completion of a mandatory training course oriented to changing violent attitudes and behaviour. The procedures and forms of these measures are determined by a government resolution.
The Bases of Representation
The victim's representative — an advocate or other person — works around the rights the law grants the victim: requesting orders, compensation of harm, compensation, electronic surveillance, free legal aid and a temporary residence permit. Representation in administrative and court proceedings means the timely activation of these rights and structured communication with state bodies — from police protocols to court decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does shelter depend on cooperation with the police?
No — the provision of shelter services does not depend on the victim's readiness to cooperate with law enforcement; the decision is based on the victim's real needs and must be substantiated if refused.
For how long is a victim placed in a shelter?
For up to 4 months, extendable where necessary under the shelter's internal rules, unless the victim no longer wishes to stay.
What happens to the workplace?
On placement in a shelter the victim retains her workplace in the same position, and the suspension of the labour relationship must not exceed 30 calendar days per year.
What is the firearms restriction order?
An order issued for 1 month, which the police issue in case of non-compliance with a social worker's decision on the separation of a minor.
How We Help on Legal.ge
The victim support mechanism includes many rights, and their use in the right sequence is decisive. On Legal.ge we help activate rights at the police stage, request shelter and support services, and provide representation in administrative and court proceedings — from the first police protocol to the final court decision, including requests for shelter, compensation and state-funded legal aid. Contact us — we will defend your interests at every stage.