A study shows that 40% of the teenagers from the Transnistrian region have been witnesses to domestic violence at least once. Liudmila Melnichenko, director of the Transnistrian agency “Social Aspect”, has told IPN that the study covered 160 teens, half boys and half girls, aged between 13 and 17.

The main form of violence is the psychological one. 56.3% of the respondents made reference to it. 23.4% of the questioned teenagers witnessed physical violence, 15.6% - economic violence, while 4.7% - sexual violence. 42 of those polled said that domestic violence is aimed against adults – the mother, father, aunt or others, 14 teens referred to violence against children, while eight to violence against animals.

The conclusion of the study authors is that in the family most of the teens become witnesses to conflicts between parents. In these cases, the children become indirect victims of violence. In most of the cases, these conflicts involve shouting, humiliation and threats. Most of the teens feel fear, helplessness, shame, guilt, hatred and anger in these moments.

One third of the teens admitted that the members of the family used violence against them. 37 adolescents said the violence was used by both of the parents, but most often by fathers, 14 said that by the brother or sister, while 48.13% said they were subject to violence at school, mainly by mates. Six teenagers said they were ill-treated by the teacher.

41% of the surveyed teens confessed that they themselves used violence as they were offended and humiliated. In most of the cases, the violent behavior was aimed against mates and younger siblings. Five teens said they were violent against parents and grandparents.

Experts recommended the parents and children to take part in more training seminars and lessons organized at school, which focus on the diminution of domestic violence and violence in education institutions.