The children in Moldova continue to be subject to physical and psychological abuse. The community inter-sector mechanism for identifying and early intervening in situations of violence is not always put into practice. The subject was discussed within the National Dialogue for combating violence against children that was launched by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Social Protection in partnership with UNICEF Moldova and the World Health Organization, IPN reports.
According to Minister Svetlana Cebotari, the child’s rights are not always respected at school, in society and in the family. In the course of 2017, the number of abused children and of complaints was by about 11,000 cases higher. “The problem is that something is lost in this intervention circle (community – doctor – police officer – social assistant) because the case is treated as unimportant. Some children who remain alone with the problems and are ignored decide to leave home or have inappropriate behavior as they are not understood. We aim to make sure that each player in this circle acts on time,” she stated.
Valentina Stratan, deputy head of the Parliament’s commission on social protection, health and family, said that even if a number of laws to fight domestic violence were adopted, this phenomenon persists and those in charge from the field should declare zero tolerance of violence. Moldova signed a number of conventions on violence and is obliged to fulfil its commitments. Regrettably, many children remained without parental cater and the tutelage authority does not have sufficient instruments to protect them.
WHO Representative to Moldova Haris Hajrulahovic said violence in childhood maximizes the risk of having sick adults. A child abused in childhood is more predisposed to become a smoker, to often take drugs and alcohol, to start sexual life up to the age of 16, to suffer mental problems, to have bronchial asthma, headaches and backache.
UNICEF Representative to Moldova Desiree Jongsma said the government officials, together with the partners, should do everything possible to create a favorable environment for children. According to a UNICEF report, corporal punishment in Moldova is banned in all circumstances. Even so, the children are still subject to violence. In 2017, besides the almost 11,000 cases of violence reported by teachers and school managers, 1,400 cases were reported by the police.
Maia Banarescu, people’s ombudswoman for children’s rights protection, said in discussions she had at the local level, children admitted that they are abused at school, in the family and in society. The existent data do not show the real situation as the people, especially the children, do not have the culture and courage to communicate such data, while the persons involved in the inter-sector mechanism are not well trained and do not take attitude.
In the event, there was mounted an exhibition entitled “ZERO Tolerance of VIOLENCE”. This contains 16 pictures that draw public attention to the phenomenon of violence against children. At the end of discussions, the participants in the National Dialogue will work out a roadmap with solutions for eradicating all forms of violence, in all the environments.
