The victims of domestic violence are not informed about the rights and the possibilities of receiving assistance and thus endure violence during many years. The public association “Vesta” of Gagauzia, the Causeni Law Center and the Men’s Movement against Violence and Trafficking in Human Beings aim to carry out information activities in a move to reduce the phenomenon.
In a news conference at IPN, lawyer Ion Oboroceanu, chairman of the Causeni Law Center, called on the communities to become involved in the promotion of human rights and to press the authorities to obey the law. “Because of our indifference, the authorities commit illegalities,” stated the lawyer. Ion Oboroceanu said he would like more engagement on the part of all the entities involved in the fight against domestic violence. Measures should be taken first of all at the local level, where the services for the victims of domestic violence are insufficient or are fully absent.
The Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence provides that the state is obliged to investigate cases of violence even in the absence of a written application from the victim, stated the lawyer.
Antonina Volkova, executive director of the Comrat-based public association “Vesta” and director of the Assistance Center for Victims and Potential Victims of Domestic Violence, said in Gagauzia there is a preconceived idea that domestic violence is something normal. “The situation in Comrat is also influenced by those stereotypes that formed, including at the level of lawyer-victim attitude, lawyers who defend the aggressors. There is a negative attitude to the woman and victim. Many think this is normal in Gagauz families. We want to overcome such a situation. When in court, we see that the laws are not respected and the judge takes sides with the aggressor,” stated Antonina Volkova.
In Gagauzia, psychologists work with victims and potential victims of domestic violence at two centers opened in Comrat and Vulcanesti towns. Also, mobile teams travel to regions to promote human rights. Practice showed that these meetings are very useful. The potential victims or the victims of domestic violence learn more about their rights and pass on this information.
