Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA). INTER-AGENCY RISK ASSESSMENT. REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA

Based on the SEARO methodology, the Composite Index of Risk for Moldova is 3.9 out of 10, indicating a low risk of SEA. However, the data and information gathered through secondary data review and primary data collection highlight areas of risk particularly linked to:

• Women’s and girls’ restricted access to decision-making roles, which can lead to policies and practices that inadequately address or prioritize their needs and rights, including protection from sexual exploitation and abuse. This is especially true for women and girls at higher risk of marginalization, such as Roma, those with disabilities, LGBTIQ+, and older women.
• The national legislation exhibits gaps in procedural safeguards and protective measures for victims of gender-based violence (GBV) who fall outside the scope of the legal framework related to domestic violence. Additionally, issues pertaining to mandatory reporting of GBV and the criminalization of sex work may hinder survivors’ access to essential services, and further discouraging them from reporting incidents.
• Limited capacities, particularly of CSOs and small national NGOs, to investigate SEA allegations, as well as inadequate reference checks and vetting procedures.
• Limited awareness among refugees and the host population about reporting steps, support services available to survivors, and how to access these services, contributing to the underreporting of SEA and impeding effective risk mitigation, prevention, and response measures.
• RAC safety, which the assessment shows to vary considerably from one region to another, with increased SEA risk associated with cash and in-kind assistance.

In terms of future perspectives, the Moldova PSEA Risk Assessment provides recommendations and mitigation measures related to each identified risk with clear attribution of responsibilities.