Inauguration of the first Specialised service for victims of sexual violence in the Republic of Moldova

The first Specialised Service for victims of sexual violence in the Republic of Moldova was inaugurated in Ungheni. The Service is funded by the European Union and has been created with the support of UN Women in partnership with the central and local authorities. The service provides any victim of sexual violence with the possibility to benefit from medical, legal, psychological and social assistance in one place.

The inauguration of Specialised Service also included a round table in which representatives of central and local authorities, international organisations, civil society and service providers took part.

“There was a need for this service, in which specialists will decide together on the methods of working so that people feel safe. The Service has to be confidential and have a positive impact on victims”,

highlighted Tatiana Lazar, the Deputy President of Ungheni rayon.

The main discussion points focused on the importance of protection services directed towards the needs of the victims of violence and the need to increase the availability of specialised services in accordance with the provisions of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence.

Alexei Buzu, the Minister of Labour and Social Protection, mentioned:

“Any reform, any program will be successful if we ensure conditions for our colleagues in the frontline. This includes ensuring investments in their knowledge, skills, and salaries, also promoting an efficient management.”

“The victims of sexual violence must be sure that they will be assisted in a professional way. They need to feel understood and safe when they interact with the multidisciplinary teams. Today we are launching the first Service for the victims of sexual violence in the country, but we will not stop here. In the next years we will provide similar support in the North and Centre of the Republic of Moldova”, claimed H.E. Jānis Mažeiks,, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova.

Dominika Stojanoska, the UN Women country representative, highlighted the joint efforts made for the co-creation of the Service, including based on the needs underlined by the victims themselves:

“It is critical to have this integrated approach, with all the services located in one place to better support the victims of sexual violence. I know that the work is just to begin. We will continue work closely with the authorities, because this is the key to prevent and eliminate violence and to provide the necessary specialised services.”

The specialised service for victims of sexual violence was created within the EVA Project – “Strengthened Gender Action in Cahul and Ungheni rayons”, funded by the European Union and implemented by UN Women Moldova in partnership with UNICEF Moldova.