Abstract:

Looking at the development of modern society where the equity and equality of each and everyone should be guaranteed and the prevention mechanisms should work more effectively than post-factum mechanisms, the major tendencies in domestic violence and violence against women are still on place. This applies to Georgia as well, where the situation has been improved after implementation different measures in different terms, but still there are victims who are struggling in a systematic way to find the rehabilitation possibilities and heal completely.

The article deals with the outputs and outcomes of the study which has been selected as a third mission pilot activity within the Erasmus+ co-funded CBHE (Capacity Building in Higher Education) project “Strengthening the Quality and Relevance of the 3rd mission in Georgian Universities – SQUARE” which is coordinated by Tbilisi State University. The research group which unites research and academic staff of two faculties at Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University together in collaboration with Tbilisi City Municipality representatives decided to conduct a study on the needs, possibilities, requirements, and expectations of the women who are the victims of violence and accordingly, the research group would design and apply study modules tailor-made for the shelter beneficiaries. The article emphasizes two major points: 1. Holistic approach to existing problems of the victims of domestic violence and violence against women; and 2. Municipality – Academia cooperation sustainability.

Within the scope of Municipality – Academia cooperation, the topic of the study was identified and observation of the possibilities, requirements and expectations of victims of violence against women and domestic violence (on the example of the state shelters for women victims of violence in Tbilisi City Municipality) was conducted. Research team has done the study in three consequent phases: Desk research; In-depth interviews with experts; Focus groups with target groups. As the outcome of the study, mapping of the services and mechanisms, state, international, and local non-governmental organizations, prevention mechanisms have been designed, which provided the holistic view of existing systematic approaches. As another major outcome of the study, research team has designed two courses which will be offered to pre-defined target groups for further employment possibilities. Tbilisi City Municipality Council representatives support the counterpart with the relevant communication network channels and participate in the negotiation processes with the relevant stakeholders. At the final stage evaluation of the study courses offered will be conducted and the research group will assess their effectiveness so that they can provide those courses to the Lifelong Learning Center of Tbilisi State University to make it more accessible and available for a wider audience and help the broader circle of victims of violence to find their paths in life.

Within the scope of Erasmus+ co-funded CBHE project “Strengthening the Quality and Relevance of the 3rd mission in Georgian Universities – SQUARE” collaboration between Municipality – Academia turned out to be very successful when the communication is made properly. The article would describe the challenges and perspectives both counterparts have and face in this collaboration.

Keywords:

Third Mission, Capacity Building in Higher Education, SQUARE, Municipality - Academia Collaboration.