Policemen, doctors and social assistants to be trained in helping victims of domestic violence

500 police officers and over 1,600 social assistants and medical workers will undergo training throughout 2013 in how to provide protection to victims of domestic violence, as part of a project implemented with support from a number of international organizations, Info-Prim Neo reports. The project titled “Strengthening the Multidisciplinary Approach in Achieving and Sustaining a Life Free of Violence” has a budget of 200,000 euros. Minister of Labor, Social Protection and Family Valentina Buliga stated at the inaugural conference of the project on Tuesday that the phenomenon of domestic violence is a scourge that must be eradicated, noting that among the multiple causes that have led to the intensification of this phenomenon are poverty, migration, alcohol abuse, lack of education and other factors. Interior Minister Dorin Recean stated he counts on cooperation with other institutions to combat this scourge. United States Ambassador William Moser said that a result expected from this project is to increase the number of protection orders issued by courts for the victims, which would require the perpetrator to stay away from the victim, among other protection measures. The project is financed by the United States' Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and is implemented by the International Organization for Migration (OIM) Mission to Moldova and the UNFPA, in partnership with the Government of Moldova. Research has indicated that one in three women in Moldova aged 15-34 has been a victim of domestic violence at least once in her life.