The domestic violence in Moldova, besides being a serious social problem, is also a clear violation of the women’s and human rights. Domestic violence in Moldova is a hidden phenomenon that affects too many families and can no longer be ignored. The opinions were stated in public parliamentary hearings that centered on the prospects and progress made in preventing and combating domestic violence, IPN reports.

Elena Bacalu, chairwoman of the commission on social protection, health and family, said the use of violence is often accepted by society and this is grave. After suffering traumas within the family, the victims are judged and condemned by persons close to them. In Moldova, one in two women become victims of physical, sexual or emotional abuse used by the husband or partner in the course of their life. “1/3 of the women who are victims of domestic violence do not report the use of violence against them. They chose to suffer abuse and humiliation mutely,” stated the MP.

Minister of Health, Labor and Social Protection Viorica Dumbrăveanu said the services intended for abusers in Moldova are insufficient and there are practically no services intended for victims of sexual violence. Even if the restraining order is applied in the case of women, the abuser has access to children, family and it is thus hard to fight the use of violence.

Gennady Neamțu, division head at the General Police Inspectorate, said the police meet with difficulties in detaining abusers. The cases of violence are committed at night and the abuser can be held for only three hours. Community service cannot be applied if the abuser does not accept it as punishment. This cannot be fined either.

Silvia Stici, head of the Justice Minister’s staff, stated they are working on legislative amendments concerning the electronic tagging of abusers and their reeducation so as to prevent the commission of similar offenses. They will suggest working with domestic abusers held in jails at psychosocial level.

Natalia Vîlcu, executive director of the Women’s Law Center, noted that over 60% of the restraining orders applied by the police are violated because there is no mechanism for monitoring the violations. The emergency protective order is perceived by specialists as a protection for the victims of domestic violence exclusively in their homes, but the victims should be protected outside their dwellings.

According to Natalia Vîlcu, the number of criminal cases started over domestic violence has halved, while of civil penalties imposed on abusers has increased two times. This is an indicator that the punishments are lenient. Statistics show that in 44% of the monitored civil suits, the court applied arrest, in 16% - community service, while the rest of the cases were dismissed for the reason that the statute of limitations expired. In criminal cases, jail terms were imposed in 15% of the cases, followed by community service and dismissal of cases.