The phenomenon of domestic and gender-based violence is widespread in our society. According to an OSCE study conducted in seven countries, including the Republic of Moldova, two out of five women report having experienced physical or sexual violence. Last year, the National Police Inspectorate documented 2,609 cases of domestic violence. Domestic violence and violence against women represent some of the most severe violations of human rights.
The event brought together high-level state officials, national and international experts, civil society representatives, and journalists. Among the speakers were the President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu; the Minister of Labor and Social Protection, Marcel Spatari; and other high-ranking officials, who addressed these issues. The conference topics were aligned with the four pillars of the Istanbul Convention: prevention, protection, prosecution, and integrated policies.
At the conference opening, the Minister of Labor and Social Protection, Marcel Spatari, highlighted that a year after the ratification of the Istanbul Convention, the anti-violence community, consisting of central public authorities, non-governmental organizations, and development partners, has fully engaged in various activities to implement the treaty, including:
– approval of an intersectoral cooperation mechanism in cases of domestic violence among seven authorities: the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection; Ministry of Justice; Ministry of Internal Affairs; Ministry of Health; National Probation Inspectorate; National Penitentiary Administration; and the National Council for State-Guaranteed Legal Aid;
– opening of the first regional “Barnahus” center in the municipality of Bălți, providing specialized, integrated assistance to child victims/witnesses of crimes during evidence collection in criminal cases;
– establishment of a Monitoring and Analysis Commission in partnership with the Ministry of Internal Affairs for cases of domestic violence that result in death or severe physical harm to victims;
– initiation of national-level discussions on ways to implement GREVIO Committee Recommendation No. 1 on combating violence against women in the online environment;
– launch of an online training course, Managing Cases of Domestic Violence, together with the National Agency for Social Assistance, to strengthen the capacities of social work professionals.
An advanced social protection system for preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence includes several key components: specialized services for victims and family aggressors; dedicated human resources; sufficient financial resources; functional intervention and resolution mechanisms; an intersectoral approach to the phenomenon; and programs and activities to prevent domestic violence.
The national social assistance system includes specialized centers for victims of violence, including children. There are nine state-funded shelters across the country. Civil society also offers day and residential services, complementing the social services sector. Furthermore, female victims of violence can contact the Trustline for victims of domestic and sexual violence – 0 8008 8008, funded by the state.
The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection is developing a policy document in this area, specifically a national program for the prevention and combating of violence against women and domestic violence.
The International Conference on Preventing and Combating Violence Against Girls and Women and Domestic Violence was organized by the National Coalition Life without Violence, with the support of its member and partner organizations.
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