200 children under supervision over alcohol consumption

More than 40,000 children of school age in Moldova remained without the care of both of the parents, while 80,000 children have one parent working aboard. The figures were made public during a visit paid by the French Senator Robert Badinter to the Prosecutor General's Office on April 19, Info-Prim Neo reports. A study conducted by prosecutors point to child abuse in the family, on the street, in education institutions and other public places. The number of cases of maltreatment of children by the parents is high. As many as 333 legal cases involving children as victims were opened in 2009. In 79 of these cases, the children were subject to abuse and sexual violence. The minors last year committed 1,195 offenses. The criminological situation is influenced mainly by the new conditions in which the children are brought up and educated. They have free access to alcoholic drinks, while the role of the parents and teachers in educating the children diminishes. More than 200 children are under supervision for consuming alcohol. Robert Badinter came to Moldova as part of a regional tour to inform himself about the situation of the juvenile justice system. The visit was organized by UNICEF and the Embassy of France in cooperation with the EU Delegation and the Council of Europe.