On 14-16 February 2024, the Council of Europe organised a three-day workshop in Chisinau aimed at building the capacity of law enforcement officials and judges in the Republic of Moldova to address digital violence against women. With perfect balance of 22 women and 21 men, the event was attended by 10 judges, 30 prosecutors, and 3 police officers, focused on implementing GREVIO Recommendation No1 on the digital dimension of violence against women.
Featuring presentations by international and national experts, as well as case studies and group discussions, the workshop fostered a collaborative learning environment specifically targeting the gender aspects of online violence against women. Participants explored various forms of digital violence, such as online sexual harassment, stalking, and image-based abuse, which disproportionately affect women and girls. They gained insights into international and national legal frameworks addressing gender-based violence and learned best practices for collecting electronic evidence. A victim-centered approach was emphasised, prioritising survivors' safety and well-being. This collective effort is a significant step in enhancing Moldova's ability to ensure the rights and safety of all individuals, particularly women and girls, in the digital age.
"The Council of Europe stands resolutely against all forms of violence, including those perpetrated in the digital realm. The prevalence of these incidents represents disrupted lives, shattered dreams, and the erosion of basic freedoms. GREVIO recognises the escalating global issue of violence against women in the digital sphere with utmost seriousness," stated Falk Lange, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Chisinau.
Dumitru Obada, President of the Moldovan Prosecutors Council, reaffirmed the Council of Europe's commitment to combatting gender-based threats and ensuring justice for all victims. He stressed the imperative of protecting the rights and safety of all citizens, with a particular focus on defending women and vulnerable groups from online abuse.
This event was organised by the Council of Europe in cooperation with the National Institute of Justice in the framework of the Council of Europe project "Supporting the implementation of the Istanbul Convention in the Republic of Moldova".
