The number of cases of domestic violence has decreased compared with last year. Meanwhile, the number of restraining orders exceeded 1,000. The figures were presented in public hearings staged to see the progress made in the prevention and combating of domestic violence. The experts who took part in the hearings appreciated the legislative changes in the field, but said that problems persist in the prevention of domestic violence and protection of child victims, IPN reports.

Chairman of the commission on social protection, health and family Valentina Buliga said it is crucial to intervene in the education of men so that they realize how they should behave and do not take abusive actions and combat such actions when they see them around. It is also important to educate women and teach them their rights and what they should do if they become victims of domestic violence. In this connection, the MP noted education is a solution in the long run, which is ensured also by the necessary legal framework.

Head of the Public Security Division of the General Police Inspectorate Marin Maxian said that 29 of the cases of domestic violence committed this year resulted in death. Twenty-eight of the cases were cases of rape. Compared with last year, the number of cases of domestic violence in the first 11 months of this year is not much lower. There were recorded over 2,400 such cases. In May-November, there were issued over 1,000 restraining orders. Fifty of the aggressors challenged the protection order in court. In 48 of the cases, the court upheld the protection orders. Two more cases are pending.

Marin Maxian noted that the police need legal instruments to discourage aggressors from using violence again. It is proposed that the fine for aggressors should be replaced with arrest and community service as this will affect their social status. Clear regulations are needed to protect children victims because the current legislation does not eliminate the doubling of duties. There are also problems related to children who remain unsupervised. It is regrettable that social issues commissions no longer work at the local level to address the problems of families where alcohol abuse is the key reason for domestic violence.

Secretary of state at the Ministry of Health, Labor and Social Protection Viorica Dumbraveanu said social services intended for victims and aggressors should be developed. There is now a highly qualified service and ten regional services, but only one of these is designed for domestic aggressors.

In the discussions, the participants underlined the importance of further promoting the measures to prevent violence. The MPs also recommended approving the national strategy and combating and monitoring the phenomenon.