Democratization: Gender Equality effective engagement in democratic processes. Creating conditions in which women feel secure and where domestic violence is recognized and addressed by the state as a crime is fundamental to women’s ability to effectively participate in social, economic, and political life. The ODIHR’s approach to this work is based on three key areas: sensitizing law enforcement agencies to the fact that domestic violence is a crime; building the capacity of law enforcement authorities to play an effective role in preventing and combating domestic violence; and promoting co-operation between law enforcement bodies and NGOs on strategies and measures to prevent and combat this crime. In 2005, the ODIHR provided strategic guidance and expertise to its local civil society partners in Georgia and Azerbaijan in identifying areas of engagement in addressing domestic violence. These efforts concentrated on improving awareness of the issue among police and medical professionals. Special efforts to build awareness among the law enforcement and medical workers in regions outside the capitals were a key component, designed to ensure that the programme had a widespread impact. Specific activities in both countries included training workshops conducted by civil society experts for law enforcement and medical professionals, compiling practical guidelines and working manuals for police and medical workers, and providing support for the establishment of a training and medical diagnosis centre that will provide information and access to vital medical resources to those treating victims of domestic violence and to victims themselves. In addition to awareness-raising, the ODIHR assists civil society organizations in their support of victims through the maintenance of shelters and the provision of legal advice and counselling. The ODIHR facilitates partnerships between law enforcement and civil society actors, resulting in information-sharing, the joint collection of statistics, and intervention in cases of domestic violence. The process of drafting legislation on violence against women has been initiated in Georgia and is underway in Azerbaijan, involving a broad range of national stakeholders, such as law enforcement officials, prosecutors, judges, medical processionals, social workers, and civil society organizations. IV. Development of national expertise on gender equality Competent national experts capable of influencing developments at the local, national, and Programmes and Projects Programmes Region/Country Components Increased Participation of Women in Democratic Processes 1. Armenia 2. Azerbaijan 3. Georgia 4. Ukraine 5. Central Asia and South Caucasus 6. Central Asia and South Caucasus 7. South Caucasus 1. Women’s Rights Education and Leadership 2. Women’s Leadership Development and Political Participation 3. Women’s Leadership and NGO Coalition-Building 4. Increased Participation of Women in Democratic Processes 5. Women’s Leadership Development/Prevention of Violence against Women 6. Integration of Gender Aspects into the Work of Government Structures 7. Prevention of Violence against Women Projects Women’s Leadership and NGO Coalition Georgia Women’s Rights Education and Leadership Armenia 38 ANNUAL REPORT 2005