Merkuri shelter is managed by a non-governmental organization, women don’t need the official status of being a victim of domestic violence to get help. The woman’s application with a self-declaration of her being a victim of domestic violence is enough to be hosted in the shelter for 72 hours. During this time Merkuri shall initiate its internal process of recognizing the applicant as a potential victim.
How did it all begin?
Since the beginning of our operation, we knew that the victims of domestic violence need a safe space if leaving their home is the best option for them. After analyzing and mapping existing services for victims in Samegrelo – Zemo Svaneti region in 2016, we and our partners decided to act upon it.
HumanDoc Foundation (Poland) and Merkuri joined forces under the project “Enhancement of Domestic Violence Prevention and Protection of Victims of Violence in Georgia” (2017-2018). As a result of this project the Merkuri shelter for victims of domestic violence has opened in March, 2018.
HumanDoc Foundation guided Merkuri through the process up to opening: building contacts and good relationships with key stakeholders (police, government, ombudsman, social services, funds, etc.) and supporters, finding a building suitable, do the necessary renovation to meet the standards, training staff, visiting shelters in Poland and Georgia to learn more about practical issues connected to shelter operation. HumanDoc even organized a fundraising campaign to support with a result of EUR 2000 collected for the shelter.
How is the shelter managed?
Since Merkuri shelter is managed by a non-governmental organization, women don’t need the official status of being a victim of domestic violence to get help from us.
The woman’s application with a self-declaration of her being a victim of domestic violence is enough to be hosted in the shelter for 72 hours. During this time Merkuri shall initiate its internal process of recognizing the applicant as a potential victim. The internal multidisciplinary team (lawyer, psychologist, social worker and head of organization) run interviews to collect facts/documents available and make decision about status of the woman and her children. In case the finding is the lady being a potential victim of domestic violence, the period of staying in the shelter is automatically extended for 3 months (in case of funded project) or 2 months (in case of donation base).
This procedure gives us the opportunity to work with women who don’t want to report their case to police or in case the woman lives in the occupied territory of Abkhazia.
In case a woman/family is directed to Merkuri shelter by police, prosecutors’ office, Social Service agency or another related institution, the woman/family automatically receive hosting in Merkuri shelter. The duration of stay is determined by the restricted order and/or evaluation of risks and analysis of situation, but no longer than the general terms.
What services are provided by Merkuri shelter?
- Free, safe, temporary accommodation
- Meal 3 times a day
- Emergency supplies (clothing, hygiene items, etc.)
- Medical help (when needed)
- Medicine (when needed)
- Support of social worker (case management, setting individual plan, managing state and NGO services, evaluation of risks, negotiation with families and officials, mediation)
- Consultations with psychologist, and therapy (for women and children) (when needed)
- Consultation with lawyer to manage legal issues
- Referral to other institutions
- Other services (based on funding):
- Vocational trainings
- Participation in group therapies
- Support in re-socialization by participation in different social activities
- Additional non-formal education activities for children
Who are the beneficiaries of the shelter?
Beneficiaries of Merkuri shelter are adult women (18+) who are affected by domestic violence, and are inhabitants of Samegrelo – Zemo Svaneti region or the occupied territory of Abkhazia. Underage people can be hosted in the shelter only with mother or another female guardian.
Decision about hosting women from another region is reviewed individually.
How life after leaving the shelter is supported?
Preparation for life “after shelter” starts at a very early stage. Our social worker analyzes the situation, maps supporters and opportunities. We help women to apply for municipal or state programs (providing-co-financing for renting accommodation, etc). Women move from Merkuri shelter to a rented or an alternative accommodation. In a very few cases they go back to their husband.
The ladies get further support from Merkuri after leaving the shelter. They can attend therapies, workshops, can continue working on legal issues, receiving vocational trainings etc.
Association Merkuri monitors and follows beneficiaries’ life long term (from 1 year to 3-5 years).
We change lives!