UN Women Moldova has made progress towards ensuring access to qualified legal services for survivors of violence in the Republic of Moldova by signing new partnership agreements with women-led civil society organizations (CSOs). These agreements aim to improve the availability and quality of legal aid services in the North, South and ATU Gagauzia.

Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a serious problem in the Republic of Moldova, with many survivors facing barriers to accessing justice and legal protection. Approximately 40% of women over the age of 15 have been victims of physical and/or sexual violence[1], but reporting remains low due to stigma and lack of trust in legal institutions. When accessing the justice system, survivors of domestic and sexual violence are often revictimized in their interactions with it.[2] Therefore, providing survivor-centered services and support in legal processes are essential to guaranteeing justice and protection for them.

The agreements signed with CSOs Dacia, Ophelia and Biaz Gul focus on strengthening institutional capacity and improving the provision of legal advice and support to GBV survivors. Through these partnerships, more women will be informed about their legal rights and have access to qualified legal assistance during legal proceedings.

Speaking about the new partnerships, Dominika Stojanoska, UN Women Moldova Country Representative, says: “As an agency that promotes women’s rights and gender equality, preventing and protecting against gender-based violence is an important area of ​​our work. Adopting an integrated approach and supporting all efforts to combat violence are fundamental, and this cannot be achieved without partnerships. The initiatives implemented within these partnerships are essential for those who need help. Psychological support, counseling and advocacy are important, but legal assistance is indispensable.”

A major challenge for women receiving legal support is that there are only 20 lawyers in the Republic of Moldova specializing in providing legal assistance to victims of domestic violence, while the number of such cases doubled from 2022 to 2023. There is also a disproportionate geographical distribution of these lawyers, with 67% of them working in Chisinau.[3] Therefore, activities within these partnerships will take place in Soroca, Cahul, Taraclia, Basarabeasca, as well as in Comrat, Ceadîr-Lunga and Vulcănești, to ensure access to services outside the capital.

“Combating violence against women remains a priority for Denmark’s support to Moldova. Women’s right to justice is essential. We are proud to support UN Women’s efforts to raise awareness and improve access to legal services for victims of domestic violence. Partnerships with local civil society are essential to overcome barriers. We must empower women across the Republic of Moldova to claim their rights and receive the justice and protection they deserve,” says Søren Jensen, Ambassador of Denmark to the Republic of Moldova.

In Soroca and Cahul, up to 300 female survivors will receive information about their rights and legal protection, and 50 survivors will benefit from qualified legal advice during the investigation and trial of cases, including restraining and protection orders. In Gagauzia, Taraclia and Basarabeasca, a mobile team of lawyers will provide primary and qualified legal assistance, ensuring that 100 survivors and vulnerable persons at risk of gender-based violence receive legal information. In addition, 50 survivors in this region will have access to legal representation throughout the justice process.

Training programs for paralegals and social workers will also improve the quality of legal assistance and strengthen survivors’ access to justice.

By supporting the expansion of existing legal services and introducing specialized legal assistance for women survivors of violence, UN Women Moldova continues to make significant progress in ensuring justice and protection for them. The partnership agreements are signed within the framework of the project “Enhancing Women’s Leadership for Resilient and Peaceful Societies” with the financial support of the Government of Denmark.

^[1] https://www.osce.org/secretariat/424979

^[2] https://cdf.md/en/monitoring-of-court-proceedings-in-cases-of-domestic-violence-sexual-violence-and-trafficking-in-human-beings/

^[3] https://cnajgs.md/uploads/asset/file/ro/2338/1.1_Raportul_de_activitate_al_CNAJGS_2023_.pdf

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