On the eve of Denim Day, the World Day of Solidarity with Victims of Sexual Violence, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Moldova, a partner in the implementation of gender-based policies and programs for the prevention and combating of violence, including sexual violence, in partnership with the Government and Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, the International Center „La Strada” and the Women's Law Center, launched the awareness and social mobilization campaign against sexual violence „Prinde aripi. Set Free.”

The event took place today in the square of the „Maria Bieșu” Opera and Ballet Theatre in Chisinau, where over 100 participants, including doctors, psychologists, social workers, police officers, volunteers and representatives of the diplomatic corps, gathered for a public event to convey messages of support to survivors of sexual violence.

Professionals involved in documenting, detecting, treating and rehabilitating survivors shared untold stories of sexual violence.

„My experience over the past 25 years as an obstetrician-gynecologist has shown that many of the women to whom I have provided medical services have been subjected to sexual violence, but not all have the courage to discuss this topic. The reason for it is fear. It is important for the population to know that in the Republic of Moldova, there are services that can provide assistance in cases of sexual violence. It is important that survivors seek support within the first 72 hours. Anyone can benefit from assistance, both moldovan citizens and refugees from Ukraine”, said Dr. Victoria Ciubotaru, an obstetrician-gynecologist at the Institute of Mother and Child Health Care.

According to statistics, one in ten women has experienced some form of sexual violence since the age of 15, and one in twenty has been raped. At the same time, a global study conducted by UNFPA shows that girls and women with disabilities face up to ten times more gender-based violence. Data from the General Police Inspectorate of the Republic of Moldova shows that the proportion of reported crimes related to sexual violence has increased from 1.67% to 2.36% between 2016 and 2022.

Moldova has made significant progress in preventing and combating sexual violence, particularly in terms of legislation and response services. At the same time, the phenomenon remains a problem in our country, as survivors often lack information about available services and stereotypes in society leave them without the support they need, therefore most cases go unreported.

In recent years, UNFPA Moldova, in cooperation with implementation partners and state institutions, has contributed to strengthening response services in cases of sexual violence. A standardized clinical protocol has been developed for the clinical management of cases of rape, multisectoral training has been provided to specialists involved in managing cases of sexual violence, assistance and counseling services have been developed for medical staff through the emergency phone line, post-rape kits have been distributed for prophylactic treatment of survivors of rape, administered within the first 72 hours.

UNFPA Representative in Moldova, Dr. Nigina Abaszada, stated that:

„Sexual violence takes many forms: harassment, assault, exploitation, rape, online crimes, and all have a devastating effect on the survivors, their families, as well as the community and society. Victims face stigma, which is why we have decided to mobilize service providers.Today, we are proud to launch the campaign “Prinde aripi. Set Free”, a campaign that aims to provide survivors with the necessary support and resources to help them heal and recover from the trauma they’ve experienced. Help them Set Free. Together we can protect and save girls and women from sexual violence and that way we will contribute to ensuring that they have a free life to live with dignity”.

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova, Dorin Recean, emphasized the government's commitment to fighting sexual violence.

„Violence of any kind has no excuse and no justification. It is important to raise awareness and convey this message. Today, I urge the media to encourage women to oppose and report sexual violence, both to specialized institutions and organizations that deal with the rehabilitation of survivors of sexual violence. We must identify the risks that lead to the emergence of this phenomenon that cannot be tolerated. It is a common problem. We cannot build a prosperous society when violence is among us”.

The „Prinde aripi. Set Free” campaign aims to inform the general public about the problem of sexual violence, promote available services for survivors, and mobilize the parties involved in preventing and combating this phenomenon.

____

UNFPA - United Nations Population Fund is an international development agency present in the Republic of Moldova since 1995, promoting the right of every person to a healthy life and equal opportunities in society. The organization's mission is to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person can fully realize their potential. UNFPA operates under the Assistance and Cooperation Program signed with the Government of the Republic of Moldova. The current UNFPA Country Program runs from 2023-2027.