Over the past two years, more than 300 girls and women from Moldova and refugees from Ukraine, survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), have received comprehensive assistance and financial support within the Violence Case Management Program, piloted by UNFPA, which helped them overcome situations of abuse and build a new life.

Bogdana*, a Ukrainian citizen who fled to Moldova because of the war, initially found refuge at her in-laws' home. However, her peace was short-lived. In the middle of winter, she and her child were forced out.

“The war made me feel helpless. I went through many tough times—beatings, insults, humiliation,” Bogdana shared. “An acquaintance suggested I go to a community center, where I got help through a special program for women like me.”

Thankfully, Elena was able to find help through a UNFPA mobile safe space, one of eight that have been launched across the country to support women fleeing violence and conflict following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The Safe Space connected her with the GBV Case Management Program.  

The GBV Case Management Program is a comprehensive support system for survivors of violence, offering a critical lifeline to help them rebuild their lives in tough circumstances. Developed by the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) in partnership with A.O. "Artemida" and the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, the program includes cash assistance embedded in case management. This cash support has been vital for survivors, both Ukrainian refugees and local women, helping them escape cycles of violence and build a new future. For women like Bogdana, it’s been essential in securing basic needs like food, shelter, and medical care.

For women like Bogdana, this support made all the difference. "Thanks to the cash assistance, I was able to move to Chisinau for medical treatment, rent a place to stay, and provide for my child.”

Cash assistance under the GBV Case Management Program doesn’t just cover immediate needs. It also provides long-term support by addressing survivors’ safety, health, and access to protective services. Cash is just one piece of the larger case management process, which includes identifying needs, creating intervention plans, connecting survivors to other resources, and offering ongoing support.

Silvia*, another survivor, endured years of cruelty during her marriage. "After my husband broke my hand in a violent attack, I had to borrow money for surgery in Chisinau. Thanks to the cash assistance, I received free legal support, psychological counseling, and the means to undergo rehabilitation. It gave me the chance to live independently with my child," she said.

Cash assistance is based on each survivor's unique needs and is delivered via bank transfer. It can be provided either as emergency support or in installments, depending on the duration of assistance required.

“Cash assistance gives women the freedom to leave their abusers and start new lives. It’s especially critical for women who are already at high risk of violence. The cash is flexible, and it helps women in a discreet and personalized way,” explained Violeta Terguță, GBV Program Analyst at UNFPA.

"Financial support is vital for survivors of violence. It offers them the resources to heal from trauma and regain control over their lives. By providing access to safe housing, legal help, and counseling, we’re empowering women to rebuild a safer, more independent future,” added Simion Sîrbu, Director of A.O. "Artemida."

Cash assistance for survivors of gender-based violence has been available in Moldova since 2023 as part of a pilot program implemented by A.O. "Artemida" in partnership with UNFPA. This program is part of the broader support UNFPA provides to the Government of Moldova in response to the ongoing refugee crisis.

*Names have been changed to protect privacy.