The key results achieved so far in the framework of the Council of Europe's project "Support for the implementation of the Istanbul Convention in the Republic of Moldova", as well as the directions the country should take in order to build a society free of violence against women were the main topics of discussion at the national conference "Implementation of the Istanbul Convention in the Republic of Moldova". The event was organized by the Council of Europe and the National Agency for Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence and gathered on the same stage government officials, partners, international experts on violence against women and domestic violence, as well as representatives from different institutions.

During the event, GREVIO's role in monitoring the implementation of the Istanbul Convention was emphasized, highlighting the achievements and challenges related to combating violence against women and domestic violence in the Republic of Moldova.

Thus, according to the Council of Europe's GREVIO report of 2023, the Republic of Moldova has made significant progress in complying with and implementing the provisions of the Istanbul Convention. In recent years, legislative amendments have been adopted to strengthen the protection of victims and support the establishment of assistance centres. However, GREVIO recommends stepping up efforts by allocating additional human and financial resources to increase the number of shelters and to make them more accessible, especially in rural areas and for women with disabilities.

Falk Lange, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Chisinau: "Acknowledging the valuable efforts made by the authorities of the Republic of Moldova, it is crucial to continue the implementation of the recommendations made in the GREVIO Baseline Report 2023. It is necessary to adopt a legislative package amending the existing law on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence. This includes improving data collection, addressing the digital dimension of violence, and ensuring protection for vulnerable groups, such as migrant and refugee women, elderly women, women with disabilities, women in rural areas, both in law and in practice. The Council of Europe understands the complexity of these challenges. Through the project 'Support for the implementation of the Istanbul Convention in the Republic of Moldova', we will continue to assist the Republic of Moldova."

Panel discussions addressed ways of working together to end violence against women, with a particular focus on prevention. Participants discussed everyone's role in building a violence-free society, protection as a key element of safety and support for victims, and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable.

Viorica Țîmbalari, Director General of the National Agency for Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence: "This year, we put women's needs and how we can join forces to meet their expectations at the top of the table. Training is an issue that we need to work on a lot, because our specialists, in addition to low salaries, the challenge is working beyond their capacity and the need for training. I have noticed that each specialist knows his or her mandate, but without multidisciplinary coordination at the local level it is difficult to have an approach where the woman benefits from all the services we have in the country. It is not enough just the policeman or the social worker to do their job, this case management has to be done at a round table, by all those involved. That is together to find a solution that really helps that woman and that child."

The discussions highlighted the need for close collaboration between authorities, international organizations, and civil society to ensure effective implementation of European standards on preventing and combating violence. The participants also emphasized the importance of public education for changing mentalities and promoting gender equality, which is considered an essential component in building a violence-free society.

On October 14, 2021, the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova voted to ratify the Istanbul Convention. By ratifying the document, the authorities of our country committed to ensure that violence against women will be adequately punished, resources will be allocated to ensure the functionality of crisis centres for victims of violence, there will be 24-hour hotlines, shelters for victims of violence, and psychological and legal counselling services.

The conference took place within the framework of the Council of Europe Office in Chisinau project "Support for the implementation of the Istanbul Convention in the Republic of Moldova" and aimed to raise awareness among various actors on European standards of gender equality and victim protection.