Supporting the implementation of the Istanbul Convention in the Republic of Moldova – phase II

This project builds on previous cooperation with the Moldovan authorities in addressing violence against women and domestic violence, following the phase I project "Supporting the implementation of the Istanbul Convention in the Republic of Moldova - Gender Equality", implemented from 2022 to 2024.

The initial phase promoted knowledge and visibility, enhancing understanding of the aims, values, and content of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (the Istanbul Convention) to support the Moldovan authorities in assisting victims.

About the project

Phase II of the project “Supporting the implementation of the Istanbul Convention in the Republic of Moldova” will build upon the outcomes of Phase I, which aimed to raise awareness of the convention, enhance the capacity of key stakeholders and frontline professionals working in the field of preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (VAW/DV), and strengthen co-operation among the actors responsible in this area. The project will focus on five key areas:

Legal and policy frameworks;
Institutional capacity and professionals' knowledge;
Awareness-raising;
Quality of support services for victims;
Common minimum standards for perpetrator programs.

Main activities

Legal and policy frameworks

Support the authorities in providing legal expertise in line with the Istanbul Convention

Awareness-raising

Debates on the impact of the violence against women and domestic violence having on women and existing mechanisms
Grant for NGOs to develop awareness-raising activities and provide direct support to victims
Dissemination of visibility materials

Capacity-building of professionals

Capacity-building sessions on VAW/DV for professionals
ToTs for law enforcement officials

Increased quality of support services for victims

Support the development of capacities and standards for day centres assisting women victims of domestic violence and violence against women
Grant for NGOs to provide direct support to women

Perpetrator program

Support for authorities in developing and piloting a programme for perpetrators

Resources

Development of guidelines methodology for training of trainers (ToT) for social workers.
Research and studies

News

Council of Europe study examines protection from violence of women with psychosocial and intellectual disabilities in the Republic of Moldova

Workshop on strengthening coordinated policies to combat violence against women and domestic violence held in Floresti

Training of justice sector professionals on examining crimes of violence against women and domestic violence held in Cahul

View all co-operation News

Expected results

The project will strengthen legal and policy frameworks by aligning national legislation with the Istanbul Convention and enhancing institutional mechanisms.
Public awareness will increase through debates, NGO-led initiatives, and visibility materials, fostering broader engagement in combating gender-based violence.
Institutional capacities will improve through training for professionals, including law enforcement and social workers, ensuring better responses to VAW/DV cases.
Support services for victims will be enhanced by strengthening day centres and providing NGOs with resources to offer direct assistance.
A perpetrator programme will be developed and piloted to promote behavioural change, accountability, and long-term prevention.
Guidelines, methodologies, and research will support evidence-based policymaking and the continuous improvement of response strategies.