The US Embassy to Georgia announced on Sunday that the next month the U.S. would support training specifically focused on Sexual Assault Investigation for Criminal Police. These classes will continue through the year.

According to the Embassy, Sexual violence investigative training is a critical area of concern for the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and has been a component of training for Crime Scene Investigators, Forensic Medical Examiners, and investigative personnel since 2015.

“While women’s issues are important year-round, March gives us a special opportunity to focus on the accomplishments by and on behalf of women, as well as the work that remains.

Since 2014, the U.S. Embassy’s Office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs has made domestic and sexual violence prevention and investigation a particular focus. For example, from 2015-2017, INL was instrumental in providing training and site visits that led to the changes in Georgia’s laws on domestic violence and the use of temporary protective orders.

During the same time period, INL supported the development of a network of Domestic Violence Shelters, building one shelter in Kakheti while supporting, equipping, and helping in the refurbishment of shelters (including for individuals with special needs) in both Tbilisi and Gori,” the Embassy added.