Officials, national and international experts, and representatives of civil society gathered on Friday, March 21, 2025, at the National Conference “Advancing Survivors Safety: Strengthening Perpetrators’ Accountability. Implementing Article 16 of the Istanbul Convention: A Path Forward for the Republic of Moldova” to analyze the country's achievements in implementing offender programs and to identify effective solutions for aligning them with European standards.

The event marked a significant step in consolidating Moldova’s efforts to prevent and combat gender-based violence, emphasizing perpetrator accountability and survivor protection. Through this initiative, authorities and international partners reaffirm their commitment to creating a safer society based on respect for fundamental rights by aligning with the latest European standards and the recommendations of the GREVIO Committee in ensuring the safety of survivors of violence.

In the official opening, Viorica Țîmbalari, Director General of the National Agency for the Prevention and Combat of Violence against Women, stated:

"The Republic of Moldova has made a firm commitment to combating gender-based violence, and the ratification of the Istanbul Convention in 2021 is clear evidence of this effort. Offender programs are a key component of this comprehensive response because, without holding perpetrators accountable and breaking the cycle of violence, we cannot ensure real protection for survivors."

The conference highlighted the need to improve current standards in counseling programs for domestic violence perpetrators, promoting more effective collaboration between probation services and assistance centers for victims of domestic violence.

Veronica Mihailov-Moraru, Minister of Justice, emphasized that the Ministry of Justice remains committed to continuing efforts and collaborating with all partners to ensure a fairer and more efficient justice system aligned with EU standards and requirements.

"Over the past year, progress has been made, including amendments to the Criminal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure to enhance victim protection and hold perpetrators accountable. In addition, clearer obligations for offenders have been introduced, including mandatory participation in probation programs," the minister stated.

In her speech, Karina A. Nersesyan, UNFPA Representative in Moldova, emphasized that holding perpetrators accountable is essential for preventing gender-based violence and protecting survivors. "By supporting the development and strengthening of offender programs, UNFPA contributes to creating a coordinated response focused on victim safety. We reaffirm our commitment to supporting Moldova’s efforts to implement effective interventions aligned with international standards that combat abuse and promote a violence-free society," said the UNFPA representative.

Attending the event, Pippa Bown, Humanitarian Adviser at FCDO, British Embassy in Moldova, noted: "Offender programs help prevent the recurrence of gender-based violence by holding perpetrators accountable and fostering behavioral change. This is essential for protecting survivors. The United Kingdom is proud to have a strong partnership with UNFPA for these interventions."

During the discussion panels, participants emphasized the role of offender programs in preventing and combating gender-based violence, focusing on victim safety and perpetrator accountability. The discussions presented key findings from a comprehensive analysis of Moldova’s offender programs, which included recommendations and a roadmap for the social, penitentiary, and probation sectors. The need for enhanced intersectoral dialogue to strengthen collaboration and align with best European practices was also highlighted.

Additionally, the conference presented the latest research data on the effectiveness of offender programs and their alignment with the provisions of the Istanbul Convention. The findings of the report “Safety and Accountability: Improving Programmes for Perpetrators of Domestic Violence in the Republic of Moldova", developed by the European Network for Work with Perpetrators of Domestic Violence (WWP EN) with support from UNFPA, were also shared with the public.

Sandra Jovanović, representative of WWP EN, praised the fact that the conference brought together specialists from various fields, providing an opportunity to work together. "In ending violence against women, accountability and change must focus on those who commit harm. I am proud of the progress in Moldova to ensure that perpetrator programmes prioritize survivors - their safety and needs - at the core of their work. The growing cooperation between probation and victim support services is a crucial step forward. Today’s conference has once again underscored the importance of these programmes and the roadmaps needed to ensure their safety and effectiveness nationwide" she reiterated.

Programs for domestic violence perpetrators are a key pillar in preventing violence and protecting survivors, especially women and children. Moldova’s ratification of the Istanbul Convention in 2021 represented a strong commitment to developing these programs, which are implemented both by civil society organizations and government institutions, including probation offices and penitentiary administration.