In Moldova, there is an acute shortage of specialized services for victims of domestic violence. There is only one national center that provides multilateral assistance to the victims – Association against Violence “Casa Marioarei”. There are also some entities that offer general assistance, without providing shelter if necessary, representatives of the National Coalition “Life without Violence in the Family” said in a news conference at IPN.
Director of the Association against Violence “Casa Marioarei” Elena Burca said the center provides social, psychological and legal assistance to persons as well as shelter if they need it. There are also maternity centers that provide complex services, but these are insufficient.
“In the Republic of Moldova, there are nongovernmental organizations that can open centers offering assistance to victims of domestic violence, but these do not have financing because the NGOs work only based on international donations. The state budget does not include resources for supporting the fight against violence,” stated Elena Burca.
Coordinator of the National Coalition “Life without Violence in the Family” Veronica Vition said the maternity centers are located in different areas of Moldova and the women who need assistance encounter difficulties in reaching them. Also, the funds for the centers that are financed by the public authorities have been reduced.
Head of the Platform for Gender Equality Valentina Bodrug-Lungu said the victims of domestic violence must be helped to have their moral capacities strengthened. “In this regard, we ask for the development partners’ assistance in ensuring the economic rehabilitation and social integration of the victims. Within these services, special emphasis must be placed on strengthening the survival and resistance capacities,” she stated.
In the news conference, the National Coalition “Life without Violence in the Family” and the Platform for Gender Equality launched the international campaign “WAVE Step Up!” in Chisinau. The campaign promotes the rights of the victims of domestic violence.
