Moldovan Government adopted the National Strategy on prevention and combating violence against women and domestic violence for 2018-2023

Women’s march for a life free from violence, which took place during the international campaign 16 days for activism to end gender-based violence. November 2016, Boscana, Moldova. Photo: UN Women Moldova/Dorin Goian

On 22 February 2018 the Government of Moldova has adopted the National Strategy on prevention and combating violence against women and domestic violence for 2018-2023, a premier for Moldova.

The Strategy is aligned with the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention) which sets the standards for preventing gender-based violence, protecting victims of violence and punishing perpetrators.

Among the main provisions of the National Strategy on prevention and combating violence against women and domestic violence for 2018-2023 are:

• Prevent violence against women and domestic violence by cultivating zero tolerance for violence. Combat stereotypes and prejudices leading to violence against women and domestic violence. Inform, raise awareness and encourage the reporting of cases of violence;
• Pre-service and in-service training of the professionals engaged in the prevention and combating of domestic violence based on a common vision at the state level;
• Strengthen the education system to ensure the education of new generations from the perspective of gender equality values and a non-violent communication culture;
• Strengthen the mechanisms of protection and assistance for victims of violence against women and domestic violence; Develop specialized services for victims of violence, including sexual violence, in line with the international standards;
• Promote women’s economic empowerment and socio-economic independence;
• Provide integrated policies in cases of violence against women and domestic violence, based on multi-sectorial cooperation and data collection, and other specific objectives.

“The adoption of the Strategy represents an important step forward and shows the Government’s commitment to address a grave human rights violation in the country – violence against women. We are glad that the Strategy was adopted following an extensive consultative process including civil society organizations and women who have survived violence. We look forward to the Strategy’s timely and effective implementation over the next years,” noted Asya Varbanova, acting Head of Office at UN Women Moldova.

The study Violence against Women in the Family, found that 63 per cent of women experienced psychological, physical or sexual violence from their partner during their lifetime and one in 10 experienced economic abuse. Rural, elderly, and separated or divorced women had the highest rates of violence.

Since 2016, UN Women and other partners have supported the Government in drafting this Strategy.

UN Women works in communities across Moldova on preventing and ending violence against women and girls, including by strengthening multi-disciplinary teams for a more efficient intervention, and empowering women to speak up and demand their rights.