OSCE supports the regulation of correctional services for domestic violence perpetrators in Tajikistan

On 6 September 2023, The OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe (the Office) supported the Ministry of Health and Social Protection in organizing the second meeting of the Working Group on Regulation Mechanisms to Prevent Domestic Violence. The event was attended by 28 (16 men, 12 women) representatives of Tajikistan's government and civil society organizations with roles in the field of preventing and combatting domestic violence, and providing support services to victims.

The meeting aimed to present and discuss the findings of an OSCE-commissioned analysis of the legislative framework related to domestic violence prevention and correctional measures for perpetrators. The discussion included recommendations for amending Tajikistan’s normative framework to regulate and institutionalize correctional services for domestic violence perpetrators.

Domestic violence in an enduring social problem in Tajikistan. The meeting is part of the Office’s ongoing support to the Government of Tajikistan and civil society organizations in improving the mechanisms for prevention and combatting of domestic violence, including by ensuring the provision of timely and professional support services to survivors and behavioral change programs to perpetrators. Since 2021, the Office has piloted three consultation rooms in Levakant, Khujand, and Dushanbe, where trained psychologists and social workers work with perpetrators to help them change their abusive behaviour and prevent further violence.