Multidisciplinary teams from six districts trained to respond more effectively to cases of violence against persons with disabilities
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With the support of the European Union, 54 representatives of multidisciplinary teams from six districts across the country were trained in the prevention and response to violence against persons with disabilities. The training sessions were organized by experts from “MOTIVAȚIE” Association from Moldova. During the sessions, the Association’s experts engaged multidisciplinary teams’ members from Căușeni, Ialoveni, Chișinău, Fălești, Ștefan Vodă, and Orhei in discussions on how to communicate with persons with different types of disabilities. The focus was on practical, community-level solutions to prevent and respond to violence, while also addressing stereotypes related to disability.
“Participating in the training on preventing and combating violence against persons with disabilities was a valuable experience, as it offered specialists both useful information and a platform to reflect on our shared responsibility. The training highlighted the importance of a coordinated, person-centered intervention, where each professional has a key role. The active involvement of multidisciplinary teams is not only necessary but vital for protecting the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities at risk. Only through cooperation can we build an efficient and humane support system,” said Ina Tonofrei, Head of the Community Social Assistance Service within the Social Assistance Directorate, Ciocana sector, Chișinău.
Ana Catrinescu, Senior Officer at the Family Justice Centre of the Police within the Chișinău Police Directorate, noted: “We are confident that this collaboration will not stop here and that we will continue to take part in many other useful activities like this one.”
At the end of the training, participants engaged in practical exercises designed to help them better understand the challenges faced by persons with physical, visual, and hearing disabilities in accessing public services. Among the participants was Olga Danu, community social worker from Căușeni district, who shared: “It was a very practical training. I felt strong emotions when I stepped into the shoes of a wheelchair user. That was when I realized how difficult it is to lack access to the most basic things everyone needs. Public spaces remain very inaccessible for people with reduced mobility.”
“Although I also have a disability, this exercise helped me realize how many obstacles people with disabilities face in their daily lives. During the training, we learned how to communicate effectively and in an accessible way with persons with different types of disabilities. We also analyzed several case studies and discussed practical solutions,” said Angela Samburschi, Senior Specialist on the protection of persons with disabilities from Cîrnățeni village, Căușeni district.
The series of trainings concluded with a networking event, which provided an additional platform for experience sharing and strengthening cooperation among professionals. The session included interactive exercises highlighting the importance of effective coordination within multidisciplinary teams and the crucial role of each member.
hese activities were carried out under the project “Together for a Life without Violence!” implemented by “MOTIVAȚIE” Association from Moldova as part of the “EU 4 Gender Equality: Together against gender stereotypes and gender-based violence" programme (phase 2), funded by the European Union, implemented jointly by UN Women and UNFPA. The project aims to prevent and address violence against women and girls with disabilities, who continue to face multiple forms of discrimination. At the same time, through its activities, the project seeks to promote autonomy, social inclusion, and a society where everyone enjoys equal rights and opportunities.
This article is developed in the framework of the “EU 4 Gender Equality: Together against gender stereotypes and gender-based violence" programme (phase 2), funded by the European Union, implemented jointly by UN Women and UNFPA. This article was developed with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of UN Women and UNFPA and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.