UN Women signs new partnerships to strengthen access to legal services for women survivors of violence in Moldova

UN Women Moldova has taken a significant step towards ensuring access to qualified legal services for women survivors of violence in the Republic of Moldova by signing new partnership agreements with women-led civil society organizations (CSOs). These agreements aim to enhance the availability and quality of legal support services in the North, South, and the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia.

Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a serious concern in Moldova, with many survivors facing barriers in accessing justice and legal protection. Nearly 40% of women over the age of 15 have experienced physical and/or sexual violence, yet reporting remains low due to stigma and lack of trust in legal institutions¹. When accessing the justice system, survivors of domestic and sexual violence are often re-victimized in their interaction with the justice system.² Thus, ensuring survivor-centered services and support during the legal process is key in ensuring justice and protection for survivors.

The agreements signed with CSOs Dacia, Ophelia and Biaz Gul focus on strengthening institutional capacity while enhancing the provision of legal counseling and support for survivors of GBV. Through these partnerships, more women will be informed about their legal rights and have access to qualified legal assistance throughout legal proceedings.

Speaking about the new partnerships, Dominika Stojanoska, UN Women Moldova Country Representative, says “As an agency who works on women’s rights and gender equality, prevention and protection from gender-based violence is an important area of our work. To ensure an integrated approach and support all the efforts to eliminate violence is key - and nothing can be done without partners. The initiatives implemented under these partnerships are critical for those who need help. Psychological support as well as advising and supporting is important, but legal aid and representation is critical”.

A key challenge for women receiving legal support is the fact that there are only 20 lawyers specialized in providing legal assistance to victims of crime in Moldova, while the number of cases involving crimes doubled from 2022 to 2023. There is also a disproportionate geographical distribution of these lawyers, with 67% of them being based in Chisinau.³ Therefore, the activities under the partnerships will take place in the Soroca, Cahul, Taraclia, Basarabeasca, as well as in Comrat, Ceadir-Lunga, and Vulcanesti, to ensure access to services are being strengthened outside of the capital.

“Ending violence against women remains a priority for Danish support to Moldova. The right of women to justice is crucial. We are proud to support the efforts of UN Women to raise awareness and improve access to legal services for women victims of violence. Partnerships with local civil society is crucial for overcoming the barriers. We must empower women across Moldova to reclaim their rights and receive the justice and protection they deserve.” says Søren Jensen, Denmark’s Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova.

In Soroca and Cahul, up to 300 women survivors will receive information about their rights and legal protection, while 50 survivors will receive qualified legal counseling throughout the investigation and trial of cases such as restraining and protective orders. In Gagauzia, Taraclia, and Basarabeasca, a mobile team of lawyers will provide primary and qualified legal assistance, ensuring that 100 survivors and vulnerable individuals at risk of GBV receive legal information. Additionally, 50 survivors from this region will gain access to legal representation throughout the justice process. Furthermore, capacity-building programs for paralegal experts and social assistants will improve the quality of legal aid and strengthen survivors' access to justice.

By supporting the expansion of existing legal services and introducing specialized legal aid for women survivors of violence, UN Women Moldova continues to drive meaningful progress in ensuring justice and protection for survivors. The partner agreements are signed within the project “Enhancing Women's Leadership for Resilient and Peaceful Societies”, with financial support from the Government of Denmark.

¹ OSCE-led Survey on Violence Against Women: Moldova - Results Report

² Monitoring of court proceedings in cases of domestic violence, sexual violence and trafficking in human beings

³ The National Council for State-Guaranteed Legal Aid: Annual Activity Report (RO)