Moldova’s National Agency for the Prevention and Combating of Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence shares its priorities and commitments

On 20 February 2024, the National Agency for the Prevention and Combating of Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence presented its priorities and commitments at the Government of Moldova’s premises in Chișinău.

The event, organized in partnership with UN Women Moldova and with the financial support of the European Union, brought together over 70 representatives of central and local public authorities, civil society organizations and the international community, demonstrating a shared commitment to combating violence against women and domestic violence. During the meeting, the National Agency highlighted its strategic objectives for 2024, which include preventing violence through public awareness and advocacy campaigns and improving trainings and intervention mechanisms among professionals and multidisciplinary teams. Another objective, which will be coordinated through interinstitutional efforts, is to develop an information system to provide disaggregated data on violence, thereby fostering deeper analysis of the phenomenon, facilitating evidence-based decision-making and improving strategic interventions.

In her speech, Viorica Țîmbalari, the director of the National Agency, explained that the agency is not only an institution but also an expression of Moldova's firm commitment to strengthening democratic values and respecting human rights. “We aim to coordinate interinstitutional efforts and develop a systemic, multidisciplinary response based on data and evidence against all forms of violence,” she said. “We realize that our success depends on ongoing collaboration and support from our development partners, the public sector and civil society. Alongside you, I will continue my personal and professional mission to offer support and protection to those in need while also committing to standing by every woman in Moldova."

During the event, Moldova’s Minister of Labor and Social Protection, Alexei Buzu, reaffirmed Moldova’s commitment to preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence. "I have great hopes that today's discussions will stimulate concrete actions and interventions,” he said. “And by the end of the year, when we take stock, we will all feel a deep sense of pride, in addition to the immense frustration we currently feel regarding cases of violence in Moldova."

The Vice President of the Parliament, Doina Gherman, emphasized that the Government of Moldova has high hopes for the National Agency – hopes that are not limited to laws, policies or rules. “Above all, it is about people, about offering help, protection and safety to those in need,” she said. “We live in a painful reality where girls are assaulted and raped even in their own homes, a true national disaster. Statistics show that one-third of women are humiliated, harassed and beaten in their own homes. This situation is unacceptable. It's time to implement the necessary measures and unite our forces. The future of our children and women in this country depends on all of us."

His Excellency Jānis Mažeiks, the European Union Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, reiterated the EU's ongoing support for Moldova in the fight against gender-based violence. "Investing in prevention, protection and legislation, the Republic of Moldova takes a significant step forward with the establishment of the National Agency on Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence,” he said. “As the agency takes shape, the EU stands firmly committed to supporting the agency's endeavours, sharing expertise and nurturing gender equality. Our joint efforts serve as a resolute stance against gender-based violence, championing a discrimination-free society. Together, we pave the way for Moldova's continued success in this crucial fight, bolstered by the unwavering support of the European Union to promote gender equality and empower women across policies."

Dominika Stojanoska, the Country Representative of UN Women Moldova, highlighted joint efforts in creating the National Agency. She explained that Moldova has made significant progress in developing mechanisms for preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence but that these problems remain widespread and normalized. “Three out of four women, or 73 per cent, have experienced some form of abuse from their partner,” she said. “UN Women assisted in creating the National Agency, providing technical support throughout the process in collaboration with the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, the Parliament, civil society organizations, experts and supporters of gender equality. The launch of the agency is an important action to address the high prevalence of violence against women and to strengthen prevention, protection, prosecution and an integrated response."

Reflecting on best national and international practices for preventing and combatting domestic violence, the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova adopted a series of amendments in July 2023 through Law No. 45 of 1 March 2007, which led to establishing the first National Agency for the Prevention and Combating of Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence.

The National Agency is an institution under the Government of Moldova's jurisdiction and has been operational since 2 January 2024, in accordance with Government Decision No. 926 of 29 November 2023.