The police in Gagauzia learned more about the Istanbul Convention and in the future will be able to more efficiently implement the provisions of this, to combat disinformation about this document, while their perception of the given Convention has improved. This was the goal of a seminar held in Ceadîr-Lunga on November 25 for police officers from the region, who need to daily implement the provisions of this document, director of the National Institute for Women of Moldova “Equality” Elena Savin has told IPN.

“Given that the police officers are often the first who communicate with the victims of domestic violence, the state and future of the victim depends on their stance and knowledge. This is the reason why society tends to give priority to the trailing of police officers, especially because three in four women were abused by the partner (one in three of whom physically), which is worrisome,” stated Elena Savin.

Modeling specific examples, the participants in the seminar were asked to decide the possible actions they will take to deal with practical situations. As a result, the participants noted that our society is practically indifferent to domestic violence. There are many stereotypes, such as “beating means loving”, “we were also beaten, but forgave and the family was saved and children were raised”, hinder the efficient combating of violence.

At the end of the seminar, the participants appreciated a lot the informal atmosphere of the event, the assimilation of new and useful information. They thanked the organizers and donor, noting the practical value of the discussion.

The seminar was organized by the National Institute for Women of Moldova “Equality” as part of a project to combat violence against women that is financed with a grant of the Institute for War and Peace Studies with support from the UK Government.