An inter-sector mechanism for preventing child abuse will be instituted in Moldova. It is to be approved by the Government in the near future.

Daniela Samboteanu, head of the National Center for Child Abuse Prevention, has told IPN that the bodies responsible for child protection must work based on a common mechanism that would protect every child who is not safe in the family. The project was piloted in the districts of Leova, Orhei, and Falesti. There were identified differences between these and other settlements, where only the education system monitors the children who are subject to abuse or violence.

“We are glad that the teachers became more involved. Many of the complaints were submitted to the law enforcement bodies namely by representatives of the education system. It is evident that this is not enough as not only the teachers must become involved. Even if the teachers come into contact with the children most often, not only they should react to suspect cases of abuse. The abuse prevention bodies must take steps and there should be adopted mechanisms showing what they have to do,” stated Daniela Samboteanu.

She also said that the mechanism is necessary for whole society. It has been designed and then improved based on the proposals submitted from the settlements where the project was piloted.