Moldovan deputy speaker calls for participation in campaign to prevent violence against women

Deputy speaker Doina Gherman urged from the legislative rostrum state institutions and citizens to join the campaign to prevent violence against women, highlighting that the number of victims remains alarming in the Republic of Moldova. The message comes in the context of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, recently launched at the national level.


'Be vocal, take action, and offer help to all women and girls who need it. Because there are truly very, very many in the Republic of Moldova,' Gherman declared.


She addressed a direct message to law enforcement bodies, demanding firmness, rapid response, and rigorous implementation of the law:


'It is not enough to have a good legal framework, to have good laws if they are not applied and implemented accordingly. This year's theme of the campaign is digital violence. In the last session of the previous legislature, the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova approved the law criminalizing digital violence. Thus, protection measures and restraining orders are currently provided in the enforcement of this law.'


Furthermore, the parliamentarian called on victims of violence not to be afraid or ashamed to report cases of abuse:


'Do not remain alone in the face of pain. Speak out! There is no shame! You have the right to break the cycle of silence, and it is not your fault at all. Because there is no excuse for beating, humiliation, intimidation, harassment, or abuse. I encourage you with confidence to call the phone 0800 88008.'


This year, the national campaign focuses on digital violence, a growing form that includes online harassment, non-consensual distribution of intimate images, abusive monitoring, or threats in the virtual environment.

The 16 Days of Activism campaign is held annually in the Republic of Moldova with the support of authorities and international partners. At the start of this year's edition, the authorities emphasized the need to strengthen protection mechanisms and a more effective institutional response, as cases of domestic violence and digital violence are increasing.