The number of reported cases of domestic violence in the first half of this year rose by over 80% compared with the corresponding period last year. Prosecutor Lilia Agapie, of the Causeni Prosecutor’s Office, has told IPN that the women changed their attitude towards domestic violence and started to seek help from the protection bodies more often. They now more frequently apply for restraining orders as they really provide protection to the victims and discourage the aggressors.

Causeni Prosecutor Ion Oboroceanu said that the women started to realize the risks and consequences of ill-treatment. They understand that they cannot live marginalized, abused and in fear. Earlier, the aggressors were penalized with fine only. The fine was rather low and was paid from the family budget. Today, in 24 hours of the submitting of the application, the court issues an order of protection and the aggressor is isolated for a period of 90 days from the victim.

In the first months of this year, there were issued over 300 restraining orders.

During several months, the General Police Inspectorate had held a training session on domestic violence for sector police officers. They were familiarized with the legislation in the field, the role of the police in issuing, implementing and supervising protection orders. The seminars will continue in the immediate period. As many as 550 police officers will be trained to prevent and combat domestic violence.

United Nations Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights Magdalena Sepúlveda, who presented a preliminary report on the situation in Moldova, said that domestic violence continues to be regarded as a private problem, including by those who enforce the law, and this encourages abuses against women.