On February 14, 2024, Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University (TSU) hosted a presentation of the Criminal Court Process Monitoring Report on Domestic Violence Cases produced by one of its clinical programs. The USAID Rule of Law Program supported the monitoring program as part of its commitment to enhancing the rule of law and fostering people-centered justice in Georgia.  Approximately 40 students, academics, and legal professional attended the presentation.

Tamar Zarandia, Dean of TSU's Faculty of Law, opened the event and expressed gratitude to the research team led by Ana Kharaishvili, Director of TSU Clinics, for effectively managing a multifaceted project involving judges, students, and court users.

Following the opening remarks, lead expert Goga Khatiashvili, and clinic students Sophiko Bakhbakhashvili and Aleqsandre Kavelasvili explained the monitoring program’s methodology and its findings. They explained that the monitoring was done by students working in TSU’s Clinic for Combating Violence Against Women founded with the USAID’s Rule of Law Program support. Students working the clinic observed 62 domestic violence cases at Tbilisi City Court during the empirical phase of the project. They observed that in most domestic violence cases, the victim was female, with the accused typically being male, often a spouse or parent.

Bail and imprisonment were the most common deterrence measures, but their efficacy in preventing future crimes was uncertain. Challenges arose when victims refused to testify against close relatives, resulting in acquittals due to insufficient evidence. While imprisonment and conditional sentences were typical punishments, their proportionality to the crime was sometimes questioned. Victims also faced the risk of secondary victimization during court proceedings, exacerbated by delays.

Judges Alexandre Iashvili and Elene Goguadze from Tbilisi City Court were among the attendees. Judge Iashvili emphasized the importance of collective efforts to combat domestic violence and prepare the next generation of lawyers to uphold justice and ensure community safety.