First ever center to support children victims of violence opens in Georgia

A new Center for Psychological and Social Services for Children Victims of Violence was opened in Georgia on Monday, aiming to protect children, victims of sexual violence, from re-traumatization and to bring investigative actions and rehabilitation into one space, UNICEF Georgia reported.

The Centre was opened in partnership with the Agency for State Care and Assistance for the Victims of Human Trafficking of the Ministry of the Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Affairs with the support of UNICEF and the Government of Estonia.

It aims to create a specific system that responds to the special needs of children who have been subjected to sexual violence or abuse.

It also derives from the principle that the needs of children in these cases are totally different from those of adults in the same situation.

“The centre will ensure that children and adolescents who have been exposed to sexual abuse and crime receive appropriate assessment, treatment and support. The parties involved in investigative and rehabilitation processes will gather in one space to avoid subjecting children to repeated interviews by many agencies in different locations.  Interviewing a child will be minimized and conducted by a professional who is trained in child-friendly approaches,” UNICEF Georgia stated.

 

The Centre will have a child-friendly environment for investigative interviews which reduces the level of anxiety of the child. Professionals were trained in the best practices of child welfare and protection, said UNICEF.