More than 1,000 women from different Moldovan settlements have used the trust line of the International Center for Protection and Promotion of Women’s Rights “La Starda” over a year, the organization’s deputy head Daniela Misail-Nichitin said during the presentation of a specialized study in a news conference held at Info-Prim Neo.

According to her, 791 calls have been made by abused women who sought assistance from the Center’s specialists. Repeated requests were made during the other calls. 66% of the total number of women who phoned are victims of husband violence, 10% are abused by former husbands, 8% by partners, 6% by children, 3% by parents, while 2% by parents-in-law. “Unfortunately, 20% of the women continue to be abused by former husbands. Though they are divorced officially, they live under the same roof,” said Daniela Misail-Nichitin said.

The center’s deputy head also said that 45% of the abused women come from underprivileged families and are aged between 16 and 55. 55% of the victims form part of wealthy and very wealthy families. Violence in such families is more complex and organized as the couples are aged 30-45, have children and common property and are convinced by relatives not to divorce so as not to damage the family’s reputation.

The study carried out by “La Strada” shows that regardless of age, social status and living conditions, the women who used the trust line have several common characteristics. In most of the cases, they come from violent families, were witnesses to violence in their families of origin, underestimate themselves, are totally dependent on the abuser and are afraid to make changes in their lives.

Daniela Misail-Nichitin said there is a correlation between the age of the persons who used the trust line and the content of the calls. The minors informed about cases of abuse towards the mother or siblings or when they are victims of the alcoholic parents’ abuse. The persons aged between 18 and 26 complain about the abuses to which their mothers are subjected and about violence in their families. The women aged 27-35 believe violence is a lifestyle, but some of them seek legal advice on a possible divorce.

Most of the calls are made by persons aged between 36 and 50, who seek advice for them and for relatives and friends. Those who are aged 51-60 are concerned about the faith of their children, who encounter problems in their families. The women of such an age refuse to change something in their lives.

In conclusion, the study says that domestic violence in Moldova has a pronounced gender character, i.e. the women are the most affected by violence.

The International Center for Protection and Promotion of Women’s Rights “La Starda” offers psychological and legal advice to all the victims of domestic violence. Those who want can contact the Center on 0 8008 8008.

source: www.info-prim.md