The psychological and physical abuse are the most spread forms of abuse against children in Moldova. Studies show that one in ten adults consider that physical punishment is necessary for disciplinary purposes. The conclusions were formulated in a press club meeting, IPN reports.

Head of the National Center for Child Abuse Prevention Daniela Samboteanu said violence against children is spread in Moldova and is based on social stereotypes as well as on poverty, physical or mental health problems, lack of support on the part of the social network, ethnical and religious discrimination, etc.

As regards child abuse, both women and men can be abusers. Some studies reveal that the women can be even more abusive than the men, like single mothers. However, most of the abusers in case of domestic violence are male.

Daniela Samboteanu said the children are more vulnerable than adults, in general, and in situations of violence, in particular. An adult subject to violence can riposte because this theoretically has particular resources, including physical, theoretical and information ones, but a child does not have such possibilities. Therefore, interventions in cases of child abuse are specific and depend on how cooperative adults are.

Specialists warn that the cases of child abuse should be not treated exclusively from the perspective of domestic violence. A child is vulnerable at school, when this navigates through the Internet, when this is under state protection in rehabilitation centers or when the image of the child is exploited.

Studies show that eight in ten children were subject to different forms of punishment. Five in ten children were subject to physical punishment, while seven in ten children to psychological aggression.