A Society Where Violence Against Women Is Not Tolerated

Preventing violence against women and domestic violence is one of the key areas of activity of the Women’s Law Centre (WLC). We believe that prevention means more than simply raising awareness about the existence of violence. It means changing attitudes and behaviours that justify violence, recognising the early signs of abuse, promoting relationships based on equality and respect, and creating an environment where women can seek help without fear, shame or stigma.

In the Republic of Moldova, stereotypes about the roles of women and men, the normalisation of control and abusive behaviours, and tolerance towards violence can prevent women from recognising situations of abuse and seeking support. Therefore, prevention must begin at the individual level, as well as within families, communities and society as a whole.

Through its work, WLC contributes to increasing awareness of violence against women and domestic violence and to strengthening society’s capacity to respond to violence and say “no” to it.

Information and Awareness-Raising

Accurate information is a first step towards preventing violence. We organise public campaigns, awareness-raising activities, information sessions and events that bring attention to the causes, forms and consequences of violence against women and domestic violence.

We address physical, psychological, sexual and economic violence, as well as other forms of abuse, including behaviours that are sometimes normalised or overlooked. We inform women and communities about their rights, available protection measures, and the legal, psychological and social services available to them.

Information and awareness-raising activities are tailored to different groups, including women living in rural areas, older women, young people, men and others who can contribute to preventing violence in their communities.

Building the Capacity of Professionals

Effective prevention and response to violence also depend on how institutions and professionals respond when a case is identified.

WLC works with judges, prosecutors, lawyers, police officers, social workers, healthcare professionals and other specialists who may come into contact with women affected by violence. Through training and capacity-building activities, we contribute to developing the knowledge and skills needed to identify, assess and appropriately manage cases of violence.

We promote an approach centred on women’s rights, safety and needs, as well as cooperation among the institutions responsible for responding to violence. We encourage communication and coordinated intervention among professionals so that women can receive timely protection and support and be referred to the specialised services they need.

Support for Women in Vulnerable Situations

Prevention also means addressing the factors that may prevent women from exercising their rights and accessing justice and essential services.

WLC pays particular attention to women in vulnerable situations, including women in detention. Some of these women have experienced prolonged domestic violence and did not receive adequate protection and support when they needed it.

Through legal and psychological assistance, as well as dedicated initiatives, we contribute to improving these women’s access to justice, support and the services they need for reintegration and for preventing the recurrence of violence.

Young People, Journalists and Communities – Partners for Change

Changing social norms cannot be achieved through institutional intervention alone. It requires people who recognise violence, refuse to justify it and actively contribute to promoting equality and respect.

That is why WLC invests in building the capacities of young people, students, journalists and others who can positively influence their communities and society. We work to ensure that current and future generations understand the importance of equality between women and men, healthy relationships and a culture of non-violence.

When working with journalists and the media, we promote a responsible approach to reporting on violence against women, so that the way these issues are presented in the public space contributes to informed public understanding and changing perceptions, without blaming or stigmatising victims.

Prevention Begins with Changing Mindsets

For WLC, preventing violence means acting before violence occurs or escalates, while also building mechanisms that enable women to receive support as early as possible.

Through campaigns and information, professional training, community engagement and capacity-building for those who can drive change, we contribute to transforming social norms that tolerate violence.

We promote a society where equality, respect, safety and the dignity of every woman are fundamental values, and where violence against women and domestic violence are never justified or tolerated.