Main topics:

Vulnerability of young women from the Republic of Moldova to human trafficking

Domestic violence

Date: September 22, 2005 From: Chisinau, 65 Stefan cel Mare st., of. 603

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Winrock International as implementers of the project New Perspectives for Women invites the news corps to a Press Conference, at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 4, 2005 at the office of NPW, 65, Stefan cel Mare bd., of. 603 in Chisinau

Winrock International will present the results of the National Representative Survey "Women At-Risk in the Republic of Moldova" conducted by IMAS inc, who interviewed young women primarily between the ages of 16 and 35.

This research identifies contemporary pressures that weigh heavily upon young women and can result in desperation that leads to flawed life decisions that are illegal, humiliating, unsafe, and sometimes dangerous.

Defining vulnerability in terms of recruitment situation and the propensity to break rules this research shows that 6% among people aged between 16 and 35 may be considered as belonging to the vulnerable group with high risks to be trafficked, whereas the other 12% of the respondents may be considered as belonging to the group with medium risks to be trafficked.

The general pressure created by low income, poor living, frustration resulting from the difference between the expectances’ level and reality, the tendency of imitating someone’s successful evolutions are some of the reasons that make the people find solutions, even illegal or dangerous ones, for surviving. As vulnerable girls do not always have access to official channels or qualify for formal job opportunities, they will mainly resort to risky employment options, where they believe they would be accepted more easily.

This research refers to women trafficking and domestic violence. Moreover, this study is a sociological one and it deliberately ignores the economical and legal approaches of the problem. These approaches do not exclude each other and a comprehensive study should comprise all three approaches. This research will stress the social-demographical factors of vulnerability to trafficking and the decisions of females aged between 16 and 35 to accept migration risks.

According to the data revealed by this survey, 41% of our sample state that they have been victims of one or another type of domestic violence at a certain point in their lives.

This research relates the incidents of the following types of domestic violence:

1. Psychological violence – reported 32% of the respondents

2. Physical violence – reported 18% of the respondents

3. Social violence – reported 21% of the respondents

4. Economic violence – reported 9% (89 respondents)

5. Sexual violence – reported 3% (30 respondents)

The widest spread type of domestic violence is psychological violence which, in all cases, accompanies the other forms of domestic violence.

The New Perspectives for Women program through Mobile Technical Units provides young Moldovan women with access to vital trainings, psychological counseling, peer support groups, legal aid, information and referral mechanisms, and assists them in making career decisions.

Project Director, Dr. Susanne E. Jalbert, emphasizing the importance of the National Representative Survey and the value that the Project's five Regional Support Centers services bring to young women from villages, said, "by increasing the ability of Moldovan women to succeed in today’s economy, we decrease their vulnerability and ensure a better future for Moldovan women and their families."

For more information contact Information Coordinator E-Mail: info@winrock.org.md or Telephone: 022.271.290

65 Stefan cel Mare blvd., s 603 Phone: +37322.271.290 info@winrock.org.md Chisinau MD-2001, Moldova Fax: +37322.272.489 www.winrock.org.md