As part of the project “Alleviation of COVID-19 Effects and Consequences on the most Vulnerable in Society with a Special Focus on Older People (ACCOP)” expert associates of the Red Cross of Serbia Nataša Todorović and dr. Milutin Vračević held a training for educators of Georgia Red Cross in Tbilisi, Georgia. Participants in the training were employees and volunteers from the headquarters and local organizations of Georgia Red Cross. The training was held on September 12 and 13, 2022. The role of the Red Cross of Serbia in this project is the transfer of knowledge and experience on the prevention of violence against older persons/ older women the design of research on violence against older women in Georgia, as well as expert assistance in conducting the research

The general goal of the training program created by the Red Cross of Serbia experts Nataša Todorović and dr. Milutin Vračević is for professionals to acquire general and professional competencies relevant to the recognition of violence against older women and adequate conduct in those cases. Within the training curriculum there are five modules with 11 thematic sessions. Module topics include: definitions and concepts of violence against older women; types and characteristics of violence against older women; risk factors and protective factors; perpetrators of abuse; reporting procedures.

The exchange of experiences within the National Societies of the Red Cross and the Red Crescent is extremely important for improving the position of vulnerable groups, in this case older women. All over the world, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, there is an increase in the number of cases of violence against older women, and the training of Red Cross employees and volunteers is of great importance in order to prevent violence and help victims.

20 Georgia Red Cross representatives took part in this training.

The project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health and Consumer Protection of Austria and it is coordinated by Austrian Red Cross.