The first edition of the International Platform on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, dedicated to integrated policies and intersectoral cooperation in the field of justice, took place in Chișinău on 7 April, marking the launch of an annual framework for international dialogue.
Organised in the context of the Republic of Moldova’s Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, the conference aimed to strengthen cooperation among member states and promote the implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention).
The event brought together 154 participants, including representatives of public authorities, justice sector professionals, development partners and civil society, as well as international experts from Romania. It provided a space to exchange good practices, assess progress and challenges, and reinforce coordinated responses to violence against women and domestic violence.
Viorica Țîmbalari, General Director of the National Agency for Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, stated that “The Republic of Moldova has made important progress in aligning with the standards of the Istanbul Convention. However, legislation, no matter how good it is, does not protect on its own. It only protects when it is applied coherently, through a justice system that works together with all other institutions”.
Irena Guidikova, Head of the Human Dignity and Gender Equality Department of the Council of Europe, added: “Legislation alone is not enough. What is needed is a consistent, victim-centred response from all institutions to prevent violence, protect victims and ensure accountability.”
The event contributed to identifying gaps and developing recommendations to strengthen legal and institutional responses to violence against women.
It was organised by the National Agency for Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, with the support of the Council of Europe project “Supporting the implementation of the Istanbul Convention in the Republic of Moldova – Phase II”, in partnership with international organisations and development partners.
