Violence against women and domestic violence cases require a specialised, consistent, and victim-centred judicial response. Ensuring that justice professionals are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills remains essential for the effective investigation and prosecution of such crimes, including femicide.

A training workshop entitled “Particularities of investigating and examining crimes of violence against women, domestic violence and femicide” was organised in Chisinau on 19-20 March with the support of the Council of Europe. The event brought together 36 specialists (33 women and 3 men), including judicial assistants, court clerks, and prosecutors’ consultants, reinforcing the role of judicial staff in ensuring access to justice for victims.

The two-day training focused on the specificities of investigating and prosecuting cases of violence against women and domestic violence, in line with the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence ( Istanbul Convention ) and national legislation. Participants strengthened their understanding of legal standards, procedural aspects, and the importance of a victim-centred approach in judicial practice.

The workshop forms part of the continuous training programme of the National Institute of Justice and contributes to strengthening a professional, coherent, and effective justice response. It also supports the implementation of the Republic of Moldova’s commitments under the Istanbul Convention, considering the conclusions made by  the Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (GREVIO) in its Baseline Evaluation Report for the Republic of Moldova.

The activity was organised within the framework of the Council of Europe project “Supporting the Implementation of the Istanbul Convention in the Republic of Moldova – Phase II ”, in partnership with the National Institute of Justice and the Women’s Law Center.