Domestic violence, a serious problem in Moldova, violates fundamental human rights to safety and security and the rights to be free from torture and violence. In July 2010, Moldova became one of the first countries in the region to address domestic violence with specific legislation in both the civil and criminal systems.  In November 2011, The Advocates for Human Rights, in collaboration with its partner, The Bulgarian Gender Research Foundation, sent a delegation to Moldova to investigate the implementation of Moldova’s domestic violence legislation. The delegation, with the support of the Moldovan Women’s Law Center conducted interviews throughout the country with relevant stakeholders.

The findings were published in the report, Implementation of the Republic of Moldova's Domestic Violence Legislation: A Human Rights Report. The report also makes recommendations for change to strengthen the government’s response to better protect victims of domestic violence and hold offenders accountable.

The report was launched in Moldova on November 29, 2012 during a meeting held at the Governmental Commission for Gender Equality. The Advocates presented the report to representatives of ministries, civil society, and community development partners involved in the country’s response to domestic violence that were present. 

Immediately following the launch of the report, the Moldovan Women's Law Center, The Advocates staff, and two experienced police officers from Minnesota, Minneapolis Deputy Chief Kris Arneson and St. Catherine University Director of Public Safety Laura Goodman, will join The Advocates in Moldova to train police. The Moldovan police will then train 500 officers across the country on the implementation of the law. Mary Ellingen, staff attorney for The Advocates’ Women’s Human Rights Program, says, “We are delighted to have the opportunity to launch the report and we are also excited to implement some of our recommendations right away through the police training.”

Read the full report here.