PHOTO // Long-term support for women affected by violence; first Women’s Houses to be opened in two districts of Moldova

The first two transitional housing services called the Women’s House, meant for women survivors of violence and their children, will be developed in the districts of Cahul and Stefan Voda. Rehabilitation works on the facilities are scheduled to begin in next autumn and the services will become operational after the completion of renovation and furnishing.

The new service is designed as a transition stage between shelters and independent living. At present, women who leave a violent relationship can benefit from protection, accommodation and specialized assistance in shelters for a period of up to six months. After this period expires, however, some beneficiaries face a lack of housing and a stable income.

According to the National Agency for the Prevention and Combating of Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (ANPCV), at the Women’s House, beneficiaries and their children will have access to transitional housing for a longer period, as well as to assistance, psychological counseling, legal support, economic empowerment programmes and vocational training. The aim is to help them achieve financial independence and make the transition to an autonomous life.

“Too many women return to the relationship with the aggressor not because they want to, but because they have nowhere to live and do not have the resources needed to start a new life. The Women’s House changes this reality. We are not only providing a roof over their heads, but a complete path to independence through transitional housing, vocational training and economic empowerment,” said ANPCV Director General Viorica Timbalari.

She specified that the new support model also aimed to reduce the risk of women ending up again in situations of violence.

“It is an investment that protects women and children, reduces the risk of revictimization and contributes to the economic and social development of Moldova,” said Viorica Timbalari.

During a working visit to the districts of Cahul and Stefan Voda, the ANPCV director general inspected the building that is to be rehabilitated and discussed with representatives of local public authorities the stages of the project’s implementation.

The building in the Cahul district has an area of approximately 500 square meters and is to be rehabilitated and made energy efficient. Dozens of transitional apartments will be arranged in the two locations, where women and their children will be able to live for as long as needed to rebuild their lives.

In next August, representatives of local public authorities from Cahul and Stefan Voda are to carry out a study visit to Iasi, Romania, in order to learn from the experience of similar transitional housing services meant for survivors of violence.

According to ANPCV, the development of the new service also responds to the recommendations made by the GREVIO expert group regarding the implementation of the Istanbul Convention in Moldova, which highlighted the need to develop medium- and long-term housing services for survivors of violence.

The Women’s House service is being developed by ANPCV, in partnership with the World Bank, the Embassy of Japan, the Delegation of the European Union to Moldova, Gender-Centru, the NGO “AVE Copiii,” local public authorities and other institutional and development partners.