OSCE Office in Tajikistan organizes workshop for law enforcement agencies and civil society

Developing practical mechanisms of co-operation between law enforcement bodies and civil society in protection of domestic violence victims was the topic of a one-day workshop organized by the OSCE Office in Tajikistan in co-operation with the Interior Ministry and local authorities on 4 May 2016. The workshop was held in the premises of Djaihun Women Resource Centre, Khatlon region.

Some 20 representatives of local law enforcement agencies, as well as state social, medical and employment services, judiciary and civil society came together to discuss the practical aspects and institutionalization of the multi-disciplinary working group in dealing with domestic violence cases.

“Strengthening a victim-centered, multi-agency approach and co-ordination at local level is crucial for the effective protection of domestic violence victims,” said Viorelia Rusu, the OSCE Office’s Gender and Anti-Trafficking Officer. “Most importantly, the OSCE builds on existing initiatives in provision of comprehensive support to victims, trying to bring together all authorized state agencies and set working mechanism of inter-agency co-ordination.”

The event was part of the OSCE support offered to the Interior Ministry on gender mainstreaming into police reform, and aimed at the institutionalization of informal mechanisms for referral and assistance of domestic violence victims at the local level.

Earlier, at the end of last year and beginning of this year, the OSCE Office supported similar initiatives on initiation of multi-agency working groups in Garm and Kulyab regions of Tajikistan, the regions where Women Resource Centres as well as specialized Police Units are operational.