Campaign against gender violence launched in Moldova

Chisinau, 25 November /MOLDPRES/- A campaign against gender violence has been launched in Chisinau. The action entitled 16 days of activism against gender-based violence takes place every year, starting with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and ending with Human Rights Day, 10 December.

According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Social Protection, the campaign aims to prevent and combat gender-based violence by raising awareness of violence as a violation of human rights, its consequences and costs, and mechanisms to combat it at the community and national level.

Statistics show that the COVID-19 pandemic and the quarantine periods have globally set increased number of domestic violence by about 30%. Given the new political, economic and social contexts as a result of the pandemic situation, international organisations call on states to do their utmost to ensure continuity in service delivery and provide support and protection to women at risk of violence, involving all relevant actors.

Violence against women and domestic violence is a widespread phenomenon in the Republic of Moldova. National estimates suggest that more than 63 percent of women aged 15-65 have suffered at least one form of violence in their lifetime. In 2019, 2597 cases of domestic violence were registered, and in the first 3 months of 2020: 678 cases.

photo: MSMPS