How the society conceives the role and function of NGO
in the eradication of domestic violence, what experts and representatives of
different social groups think about this, what should be the key issue in their
"agenda", and in which direction should the work be strengthened - a
lively discussions on these and other questions once again showed public
organizations, as serious actors in the process of addressing the problem of
domestic violence. They play an important part in the identification and
management of cases, providing psycho-social and legal services to victims,
public awareness-raising and promoting non-violent culture.
The conversation mainly concerned the issue what is
more organic – awareness-raising, education, capacity-building or monitoring
the law and the referral mechanisms and the work on the improvement of the law?
That is - more help or more control?
The opinions were divided in two, but the arguments
were in favor of the proponents of both positions.
"If it were only sufficient to inform, educate or
even provide services, the work of only Fund "Sukhumi" would be
enough for the whole region” - was said at the meeting. "- There is need of
more monitoring and greater manifestation of state responsibilities.”
It was noted: "It will be good if we do not begin
to invent a bicycle and the state uses the resources of NGOs in terms of
providing social services and finds the necessary funds, especially - at the
local level."
The participants agreed that the non-governmental
sector has a coordination function. It was not also controversial that "as
a rule, NGOs are first to notice problems and sound the alarm. They are first
to begin looking for the way out, attracting other structures and often those
who are required to respond to the problem."
The TV-company "Rioni” devoted an interesting
programme to the issues raised at the meeting.
The project is
implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt – Evangelischer Entwicklunsdienst (Germany) | 
