Over 30 representatives of civil society organizations from the Republic of Moldova and Romania met online to exchange good practices in combating gender-based violence, in the context of COVID-19

They shared information on local support systems for domestic violence, operating during the pandemic, as well as the local response to COVID-19 and impact of this pandemic on women.

The Ambassador of Sweden to the Republic of Moldova, Anna Lyberg, mentioned: „In the context of general tendency of increase in domestic violence during the lockdowns due to the corona virus, we understand the importance of supporting national CSOs that are providing direct services to survivors of violence and combating the phenomenon of gender-based violence. Tailored coaching programmes, share of experience with other organizations, including international ones, could bring added value to their activity.”

“This informative session is a wonderful opportunity to exchange practices and experiences with our colleagues from Romania. It will help us take more effective and bold measures to support women affected by COVID-19, especially those facing gender-based violence. By strengthening and consolidating our efforts, affected women will be able to cope with the impact of this pandemic”, stated Peterson Magoola, Representative a.i for UN Women Moldova.

The informative session on exchanging good practices in preventing and combating gender-based violence, in the context of COVID-19, approached topics such as: measures taken by authorities during the pandemic; challenges faced by CSOs in responding to gender-based violence since the beginning of the crisis and good practices acquired, such as adaptation to remote intervention and communication, especially the provision of essential services for girls and women affected by violence. Examples of existing international practices in response to the new coronavirus were also presented.

According to relevant organizations, in Moldova, the number of calls to the national Hotline to report cases of domestic violence has decreased during the last two weeks, if compared with the previous periods.

 

Veronica Teleuca, National Coordinator of the Coalition ‘Life Without Domestic Violence’, added: ”The crisis period represents the opportune time to make changes because in such situations, can be easily observed the shortcomings and the processes that need to be improved. This pandemic requires us to be very flexible and at the same time - very fast.”

As an outcome of the informative video session, a Brief on the good practices and challenges shared by the participant organizations will be developed and sent out and presented to all relevant stakeholders and CSO’s.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, in the Republic of Moldova, about 64% of women have suffered at least once in their life a form of violence from their husband or partner. During the quarantine period recommended for combating COVID-19, exists the high risk that the number of violence cases might increase. In some countries practicing social distancing recently the reported cases of domestic violence have tripled.

The informative video session was organized under the collaboration agreement with A.L.E.G, facilitated by UN Women and financed by Sweden.