In the Republic of Moldova, there are yet cases when the courts of law refuse to issue protective orders for women subject to domestic violence, especially in the case of women who are abused psychologically. In an interview for Radio Free Europe Liliana Potang, jurist at “Promo-LEX” Association, said the number of victims of domestic violence continues to rise and most of these victims are women, IPN reports.

“The courts of law refuse to issue restraining orders. I refer to a number of cases of psychological violence, when we do not have that medical-legal examination report as it is not about physical violence, but there are particular psychological evaluation reports. These psychological evaluation reports are probably not a mandatory element for the courts. If the court wants, it takes this report into account or it does not,” said the jurist.

As to the fighting of domestic violence, Lilia Potang said the authorities cannot ensure immediate protection for the victims owing to the shortcomings in the legislation. “If, hypothetically speaking, a case of domestic violence takes place late at night, a 902 team is called, but the aggressor does not allow the police to enter the home to collect evidence and see what is going on at the scene. So, if the aggressor does not allow to, the police cannot enter,” she stated.

Another problem is the inefficient cooperation between the relevant authorities in the prevention and combating of cases of domestic violence. The local police officers are practically the most important and most involved in such cases, together with the social worker. Lilia Potang said there are many situations when the local police officer does not cooperate with the social worker or vice versa.

Among other problems, the jurist mentioned the insufficiency of rehabilitation centers for victims of domestic violence and of services intended for aggressors. There are now only 16 centers that provide accommodation and social, psychological and legal assistance for victims of domestic violence and only two centers that provide services for aggressors.