Moldova has joined international efforts of combating gender-based violence by observing the “16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence” Campaign, or simply the 16 Days Campaign, taking place annually from November 25 to December 10. A series of events to mark the 16 Days Campaign will be held across the country under the theme “A Healthy Family is a Violence-free Family”, aiming at raising public awareness of gender violence, in particular violence against women, and at combating this phenomenon, Info-Prim Neo reports. The Campaign will try to change the violent attitudes and behaviors within family and society, to promote the culture of non-violent relationships, to inform the general public about the national and international legislation protecting the victims of violence and guaranteeing their rights in society, says Valentina Bodrug-Lungu, the chairwoman of the Gender Center. Valentina Buliga, the minister of labor, social protection, family and child, says that only through common action can domestic violence be stopped in society. “By making common efforts towards the implementation of Law no.45 on the prevention and combating of domestic violence, we can create a safer and healthier environment, a better life for both women and men in Moldova”, stated Mrs Buliga. “In Moldova violence has been passed on from generation to generation and concrete action is needed to combat this phenomenon”, remarked UNFPA-Moldova Program Coordinator Boris Galca, referring to the necessity for effective mechanisms for implementing Law no.45. During 16 days, a series of events including trainings, roundtable meetings, public debates, conferences, TV and radio programs, will be held throughout the country. According to statistics, in nine months of 2009 there have been registered 32 gender-related crimes, including 13 murders or homicides, as opposed to 14 last year. There were 19 cases of infliction of grievous bodily harm, by 3 more than in 2008. Initiated in 1991, the international 16 Days Campaign marks a number of significant dates, including the International Day Against Violence Against Women on November 25; the International Women Human Rights Defenders Day on November 29; the World AIDS day on December 1; the anniversary of the Montreal Massacre on December 6; and the International Human Rights Day on December 10.