The policies that discourage domestic violence will be more intensely promoted. Legislative amendments to this effect were adopted by Parliament in the first reading on July 7, IPN reports.
Deputy Minister of Labor, Social Protection and Family Viorica Dumbraveanu said the bill transposes the European practices concerning the prevention and combating of domestic violence. Among the most important changes is the regulation of criminal liability for violation of the restraining order and the institution of a new contravention – persecution act. The victims will be exempted from court costs when they apply for a restraining order and will be provided with state lawyers.
In her speech, Deputy Speaker Liliana Palihovici said the phenomenon of domestic violence has a very powerful impact on society, most of the trafficked women being victims of domestic violence. Statistics show that over 13,000 cases of violence against children were recorded in Moldova in 2014-2015. Almost half of the cases represent use of physical violence.
Democratic MP Valentina Stratan said the women victims of violence are often isolated and do not have the possibility of seeking help. This phenomenon leads to a rise in the crime rate and causes social costs, while violence is perpetuated by children who are abused now. “Violence gives birth to violence,” she stated.
Liberal MP Alina Zotea said the violation of the rights of victims of domestic violence cannot be ignored. “A victim of violence must be sure that the aggressor will be punished when a complaint is filed,” she noted.
63% of the women in Moldova faced at least one form of violence, while 40% of the women were subject to violence by the partner at least once.
