UNFPA Moldova, in partnership with the National Agency for the Prevention and Combatting of Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (ANPCV) and the Council of Europe, brought the issue of technology-facilitated violence into public discussion today.
Representatives of state institutions responsible for preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence gathered for a consultation and information session on the initiative to harmonize the legal framework regarding the digital dimension of violence.
At the opening of the session, Viorica Țîmbalari, General Director of ANPCV, highlighted the relevance of Draft Law No. 70, recently registered in the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova. She emphasized that the proposed amendments demonstrate the country’s commitment to aligning with international standards and strengthening mechanisms to combat violence in the digital environment.
Karina A. Nersesyan, UNFPA Representative in Moldova, emphasized the importance of broad collaboration between institutions and organizations to address the challenges posed by digital violence. She highlighted that only through joint actions can a significant and lasting change be achieved.
According to specialists, improving the legal framework, as well as response services, is a priority for our country to ensure prompt intervention in cases of digital abuse and protect victims.
During the session, legal expert Arina Țurcanu presented the new legal provisions on violence in the digital space, included in the legislative initiative for Draft Law No. 70 on amending certain normative acts.
Additionally, Council of Europe expert Louise Hooper presented GREVIO’s recommendations, along with examples of international best practices in regulating digital violence. Participants had the opportunity to ask questions and discuss concrete aspects of implementing these recommendations in the national context.
Additionally, UNFPA expert Vadim Vieru presented the observations and contributions of the Republic of Moldova to the development of the Council of Europe’s Recommendation on combating technology-facilitated violence, highlighting the country’s active commitment to defining strong European standards in this field.
It is worth recalling that the Republic of Moldova, through ANPCV, actively contributes to international efforts to prevent and combat digital violence against women and girls. In this regard, the country is a member of the Council of Europe’s GEC/PC-eVIO Committee of Experts, actively participating in the development of a Recommendation on combating technology-facilitated violence. The document is expected to be finalized by the end of 2025.
The consultation and information session on the initiative to harmonize the legal framework regarding the digital dimension of violence was organized by ANPCV, with the support of UNFPA and the Council of Europe.
UNFPA reaffirms its commitment to strengthening efforts to prevent digital violence through awareness initiatives such as the #Bodyright campaign, analysis and research utilizing new technologies like artificial intelligence, collaboration with the private sector, such as the #SuperCoders project in partnership with the Orange Foundation, as well as supporting the improvement of legal response mechanisms.
