Georgian Logo

USAID RULE OF LAW PROGRAM
USAID სამართლის უზენაესობის პროგრამა

Header Sponsore Logo
04 Dec 2023

Court Awarded a Non-pecuniary Damage Compensation of 10,000 GEL to the Victim of Domestic Violence

With the support of Rights Georgia, the court granted a compensation of 10,000 GEL for non-pecuniary damages to a victim of domestic violence. On December 4, 2023, Judge Mamuka Nozadze of Rustavi City Court issued a decision regarding the restitution for non-material harm resulting from domestic violence. Rights Georgia's legal team, with support from the USAID Rule of Law Program, protected the rights of  the victim of persistent violence.

In March 2023, a violence survivor sought assistance from Rights Georgia. The woman's ex-husband had been serving a sentence since April 2021 for gender-intolerant acts of domestic violence. Lawyers drafted a lawsuit, seeking 10,000 GEL in compensation for non-material damage resulting from domestic violence. They presented the court with the legally binding criminal case verdict and additional evidence confirming the acts of violence against the female victim and the resulting emotional distress.

The court fully supported the plaintiff and her representatives, directing the defendant to pay 10,000 GEL in non-material damages. This decision marks another stride toward women's economic empowerment, a goal championed by Rights Georgia through strategic litigation.

Upon the request of Rights Georgia's lawyers, the victim provided her testimony remotely during the court proceedings. This approach helped maintain a distance between the victim and the perpetrator, minimizing the risk of secondary victimization.

The court's decision was pivotal for the beneficiary, who emphasized that even if complications arise in enforcing the compensation, the judicial acknowledgment of the damage caused by the violence represents a significant triumph for her. The beneficiary remarked, "I told my family members that even if I don't receive the compensation, it is still a great victory for me."

This case holds importance, given that victims of violence seldom pursue court compensation for intangible damages. There are few precedents for such compensation, and courts rarely award such substantial amounts. Particularly for women trapped in violent environments due to economic constraints, this case stands as a noteworthy example of how civil litigation can contribute to the economic empowerment of violence survivors.

img

Latest Success Stories

See All
img
27 Jun 2024

PHR Wins a Landmark Case on Behalf of Persons with Disabilities

On June 25, 2024, the Tbilisi City Court found there was discrimination against persons with disabilities and ordered compensation for moral damages. PHR litigated the case with the support of the USAID Rule of Law Program.

See More
img
24 May 2024

UN Child Rights Committee Finds State Failed to Protect Children Confined to Church-run Ninotsminda Orphanage

On May 24, 2024, the UN Child Rights Committee (“Committee”) adopted its final decision on a case concerning the protection of children at Ninotsminda Orphanage, which should result in a process of replacing the long-stay orphanage system with alternative care, a process known as “deinstitutionalization.”

See More
img
20 Feb 2024

Internship at Legal Aid Service: Bridging Theory with Practice in Legal Education

Internships play a pivotal role in the journey of aspiring legal professionals, offering a bridge between academic theory and real-world application. Recently, four student-paralegals had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the practicalities of the legal field through a paid internship at the Legal Aid Service (LAS) Batumi Bureau, supported by the USAID Rule of Law Program. Their experiences shed light on the invaluable benefits gained from such hands-on training.

See More

Sexual Harassment Prevention & Elimination Mechanism

LEGAL AID PROVIDERS