Over the past two years, more than 300 girls and women from Moldova and refugees from Ukraine, survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), have enjoyed 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 citizen of Ukraine, arriving in the Republic of Moldova because of the war, she found refuge in her in-laws' house, but the peace did not last long, because her husband kicked her out of the apartment during the winter, even with the child.
"The war made me feel helpless. I went through many hard moments, beatings, swearing, humiliation. An acquaintance advised me to go to the Community Center, where I was supported by being included in a special program for women in my situation," she told us.
The GBV Case Management Program is a complex support mechanism for survivors of violence who need a lifeline to continue their lives in difficult circumstances and lay the foundations for a safer future. Developed by the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) in partnership with A.O. "Artemida" and in collaboration with the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, this cash assistance embeded in case management has several essential components, such as complex rehabilitation of survivors. An essential element in this process is cash, which is often the lifeline for women.
"Thanks to this cash assistance, I was able to move to Chisinau for oncological medical investigations, treatment and renting a room where I now stay with my child."
Cash assistance in GBV case management has a beneficial effect on survivors' health, safety and access to violence protection services. Cash is only part of a larger case management process that includes case identification, needs assessment, intervention planning, referral to other services, case monitoring and supervision.
Silvia*, another survivor of violence, endured several acts of cruelty during her marriage: "Following the last act of violence, my hand was fractured and I had to borrow money to have an operation in Chisinau. Thanks to the Cash assistance in GBV case management, I received free legal assistance, psychological counseling, and with the help of cash, I had the opportunity to undergo several rehabilitation procedures at a hospital, pay for my transport and have an independent life with my child", says the woman.
The granting of cash assistence is based on the assessment of the real needs of each person and is carried out by bank transfer. This is provided either as an emergency for immediate needs or in installments, depending on the duration of the need for support.
“Cash assistance gives women the opportunity to leave behind the abuser and start a new life in freedom. This is especially true for women who already face heightened risks of violence. Cash allows for flexibility, it provides crucial support to vulnerable women in a flexible, tailored and discreet way than", said Violeta Terguță, GBV Program Analyst at UNFPA.
"Financial support is vital help for survivors of violence, giving them the support and resources they need to overcome trauma and regain control of their lives. By facilitating access to specialized counseling, safe shelters and legal assistance, we significantly contribute to the empowerment of affected women, allowing them to rebuild a safer and more independent future", said Simion Sîrbu, Director of A.O. "Artemida".
Cash assistance for survivors of gender-based violence is a crucial element in GBV case management and is being implemented in the Republic of Moldova since 2023, as part of a pilot program carried out by A.O. "Artemida" in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund, and is part of the UNFPA support offered to the Government of the Republic of Moldova, in response to the refugee crisis.
*Names have been changed to protect identity.
