Examining gender-based violence response strategies in Moldova

Abstract

Introduction. In a constantly evolving society, the issue of gender-based violence is a topic of crucial importance, with a profound impact on the individual and the community as a whole. The Republic of Moldova, being a territory where social and cultural changes are palpable, faces specific challenges regarding the response to gender-based violence. This complex phenomenon requires a comprehensive and coherent approach. Aim of study. To identify the strengths and weaknesses of health care infrastructure related to the response of GBV among the population in the Republic of Moldova. Methods and materials. A specialized search was conducted within the google scholar with reference to the response to gender violence in the Republic of Moldova, according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria previously set-up. The keywords used were: gender based violence, violence. In the analyses, 15 bibliographic references published in the last 5 years in the Republic of Moldova were included. Results. The Republic of Moldova is in the top of the countries in Europe with the most cases in which women have been psychologically or sexually abused at least once in their lives. In the Republic of Moldova, practically 3 out of 4 women (73%) have experienced one form or another of family violence during their lifetime. About 30 women die each year from these abuses. The review reveals significant progress in the legislative field, with the adoption and amendment of laws to protect the rights of victims of gender-based violence. However, there are still challenges in the consistent implementation and enforcement of these laws. Important efforts have been made in developing support and counseling services for victims of gender-based violence. However, access to these resources remains a problem in some areas, and public awareness of the existence and usefulness of these services can be increased. Conclusion. The literature review reveals progress in addressing gender-based violence in the Republic of Moldova, but challenges remain related to cultural norms, unequal access to resources and the need for continued awareness. This research can contribute to the development of more effective preventive measures, thus consolidating the progress already made in building a fairer and safer society. Acknowledgement. The work reported in this publication was funded by the National Institutes of Health - Fogarty International Center at the University of Iowa (Grant Agreement: 5D43TW007261-17). The authors gratefully acknowledge all members of the iCREATE grant for their work on the project overall and for the contributions of project documentation used in this manuscript.