What is violence against women and domestic violence? Which legal mechanisms exist to defend rights of victims? Who and how should they apply for assistance? – These were topics of the meeting which was held by the Kakheti-Telavi Legal Aid Bureau lawyers on November 30, in Pankisi Gorge, Jokolo village, Akhmeta district. The public attorneys Aleksi Tusniashvili, Tamar Batselashvili, Liana Tchuniashvili met with the pupils of the public school of Jokolo district and the employees of the local administrative body.
The attendees watched 45-minute documentary “Raise your voice” prepared by the UN Women. The lawyers made a presentation on violence against women and domestic violence, as well as rights of women. Besides, the lawyers introduced to the attendees the specifics of work of Legal Aid Service, answered questions regarding marriage and family disputes. They all received the Service brochures. It should be noted that the mentioned village is settled by the Kists. The activity was part of the global campaign Violence against Women and Domestic Violence.
On December 6, the representatives of the local administrative body and non-governmental organizations visited Kakheti-Telavi Legal Aid Bureau. The meeting was facilitated by the head of the Bureau – Liana Chuniashvili who presented the 10-year activity report of the Service and talked about important role of the European Union through supporting various projects as a part of the justice system reform.
With the support of the EU, it became possible to provide drafting documents and court representation which ensures equal access to the justice for each and every citizen.
Since 2007, the European Union promotes the development of Legal Aid Service, raising of the professional level of the LAS staff, improvement of quality and enhances technical capacity of the Service through its joint programs (with UNDP).
The local beneficiaries attended the meeting held at Telavi Bureau. They told the attendees about their legal problems and how the LAS lawyers helped to solve them. It was underlined that the vulnerable group of the society is entitled to receive legal assistance for gratis.