An extensive training and information program in the field of gender-based violence facilitated by technology for professionals from various fields has
started in Chisinau. The program is addressed to teachers, those in the field of social protection, psychology and representatives of Youth Centers, with the aim of increasing capacities in the field of digital violence against women and girls, being organized by the International Center "La Strada", with the support of the United Nations Fund for Population (UNFPA) Moldova.

Between May 22 and 24, the first 50 facilitators in the field of digital violence against women and girls, from different regions of the country, participate in an initial training course in this field.

UNFPA Moldova's gender-based violence program analyst, Violeta Terguță, mentioned that together with "La Strada" and other partners, UNFPA supports in the Republic of Moldova the fight against digital violence through the public awareness campaign #Bodyright, adjusting the legal framework, but also training specialists. "Tech-enabled violence is a complex phenomenon that takes more than 40 forms and requires advanced training to better understand the subtleties and improve response mechanisms", she said.

The executive director of the "La Strada" International Center, Elena Botezatu, mentioned in the opening of the training that the launch of this program is current in the context in which more and more women and girls report cases of digital violence. International data indicate that although 38% of women have experienced online violence, in 78% of cases, they did not know where to report these cases.

During three days, the participants of the training will improve their capacities during 11 informative sessions on the forms of digital violence, recommended terminology, recognition of cases of violence, myths and realities of the phenomenon, measures to respond to digital violence, as well as support and protection services .

They will also analyze the impact of digital violence on women and girls, discuss online privacy, safe relationships and sexting, but also address classic scenarios of online harassment, revenge porn, online sexual blackmail and sharing sexual images without consent etc.

At the end of the workshop, each participant will receive a copy of the Facilitator's Guide on Online Violence against Women and Girls, developed within the program, and afterwards, as facilitators, they will carry out information actions for other specialists and young people throughout the country. After this workshop, 400 women and girls will be informed about how to recognize a situation of online violence and where to turn for help.

The training program in the field of gender-based violence facilitated by technology takes place between May and July 2024, being carried out by the "La Strada" International Center, with the support of UNFPA Moldova and the US Government.