Many women in Moldova are afraid to report cases of domestic violence because they do not trust neither the law-enforcement nor the relatives. The statement was made by Elena Burca, head of the NGO Casa Marioarei, at a press conference on Monday. 65% of women said they experienced domestic violence at least once in their lifetime, yet such testimonies can be obtained only through confidential questionnaires, said Elena Burca. She added that often perpetrators try to conceal domestic abuses so that they remain hidden from society and the relevant organizations. Each year, about one thousand women turn to Casa Marioarei for help. The NGO offers sheltering services, which are mostly demanded by women from rural areas. Speaking at the same press conference, Social Protection Minister Valentina Buliga remarked that violence against women is not specific to just certain regions, countries or social statuses. “The causes of domestic violence are rooted in the unequal power relations between men and women throughout history. Constant discrimination against women generates discrimination within both the family and society. Domestic violence has serious consequences, as a sound society originates in a sound family”, stated the Minister. In a Declaration by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, it is said that violence knows no geographical, cultural, social, economic or educational boundaries. “We must not only help prevent violence; we must also work to provide women with access to economic opportunities, to ensure their equal participation in public life, repeal laws and practices that continue to discriminate against them and ensure that homes, offices, streets and schools are safe for women and girls”, stated Catherine Ashton. This year, there were over 600 cases of domestic violence reported in Moldova, including 13 homicides.