On December 9, 2014, the Public Defender of Georgia addressed the Minister of Internal Affairs of Georgia regarding ineffectiveness of practice of signed statements on non-repeat of violence in cases of domestic violence. The address described two cases when, despite a high risk of violence, bodies of the Ministry of the Internal Affair used the signed statement and warning practice.

The main reason for the Public Defender’s address was to inform the Minister of Internal Affairs on the occurred facts in order to eliminate even those small shortcomings that tent to prevent ensuring effective protection of victims.

Unfortunately, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia issued a statement on its official facebook page that allegedly the address of the Public Defender of Georgia does not present the current situation regarding domestic violence and violence against women; also, that expectations with regards to elimination of the problems stated in the address are unrealistic.

We welcome activities and work carried out by the law enforcement agencies of the country although the statement of the Ministry of Internal Affairs has not addressed any of the cases provided by the Public Defender of Georgia.

The facts presented by the Public Defender are correct, real and at the same time demonstrate the most recent tendencies since it deals with cases that took place in the October –December period.

To confirm all this, interested public can see those cases examination of which makes it clear that mechanism of protection against domestic violence are not used effectively. Also, it demonstrates real existence of the problem and need for involvement of decision-making persons in the matter:

1. October 17, 2014, case of M.Ts. - killing of a lecturer of the Ilia Chavchavadze Tbilisi State University. The police was contacted twice on the facts of violence from a former husband but only actions used were warning and signed statement on non-repeat of violence;
2. October 24, 2014, case of L. Ch. – Citizen N. Ch. applied to us with a request where it was stated that his/her daughter and other members of her family were experiencing psychological pressure from her former husband through various means. During one of such facts the patrol police was called. The police issued a warning towards the offender and made him sign a statement not to get in conflict with L. Ch and members of her family;
3. November 7, 214, Case of T. K. – alleged violence actions (psychological and physical) on the part of her former spouse. A fact of beating occurred on June 23, 2014 and neighbours called the patrol police. After that fact the offender went to the house twice to start fight a on both cases the police was called: the first case happened on July 8, and the second – on August 10. The victim asked for a restriction order to be issued but the policemen refused it due to non-registration of the fact. Protocols were drawn up in both cases;
4. December 9, 2014, case of F. G. – physical and verbal attack on the applicant from his/her children. The applicant had previously addressed the police. As a result, a relevant district policeman asked the children to write a signed statement and verbally warned them while the request of the applicant was not satisfied due to non-presentation of relevant documents;
5. December 17, 2014, N. G. case – alleged violent actions on the part of a former spouse: in the words of the applicant, the patrol police has been called many times with regards to the mentioned case, but their attempt to conduct separation were fruitless and to this day violence acts continue.