Moldova takes steady steps towards a stronger justice response for survivors of sexual violence

The Republic of Moldova is making tangible progress in strengthening its justice and protection systems for women and girls who experience sexual violence. The country’s first Integrated Regional Service for women survivors of sexual violence is improving how survivors access safe, timely, and equitable support.

Launched in Ungheni district, in the northwestern part of the country, and covering six districts, the service brings together medical care, forensic examination, psychological counseling and legal guidance in one coordinated space.

“I felt that someone was on my side,” said Ioana*, 44, who was referred to the Service by a police officer after being raped by someone she knew from her village. Two out of five women in Moldova have experienced physical and/or sexual violence since the age of 15, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated and accessible services.

Survivors’ needs at the centre of the response

At first hesitant to seek help, Ioana reached out within three days of the assault in early September 2024, encouraged by her partner. “I remember how afraid I was,” she says. “But the way I was welcomed made me feel safe. It was the first place where I felt listened to without judgment. I realized I did not have to navigate the system alone.”

Ioana is among 101 women survivors who received comprehensive support during the pilot phase of the Integrated Regional Service. The initiative was established in 2023 by UN Women with funding from the European Union, in partnership with the International Centre “La Strada” and under the leadership of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection.

One place, one team, and no re-traumatization

To date, the Service has supported 49 rape cases, 29 cases of domestic violence, and 23 attempted sexual violence cases. Six in ten survivors received crisis assistance within the first four days after the incident, a critical window for both psychological recovery and the preservation of forensic evidence.

For Ioana, this support made a significant difference. “I received medical, psychological and legal assistance in one place,” she says. “The specialists guided me step by step, so I knew what to expect. I underwent a gynecological check-up, and biological samples were collected for forensic medical examination.”

At the Service, Ioana also received initial legal counselling and learned about her rights and available options. “The lawyer explained the procedures in a way I could understand,” she says. “She assured me that it was not my fault and that I had the right to protection. What mattered most was the empathy they showed.”

With legal support from the Service, Ioana filed a complaint and initiated criminal proceedings. “It was a difficult decision,” she recalls. “But the encouragement of the specialists and my desire for justice helped me continue”.

The National Council for Legal Aid also appointed a state-guaranteed lawyer to represent Ioana free of charge throughout the process.

“Providing early legal assistance helps survivors navigate complex legal procedures and make informed decisions. My responsibility is to guide them through each step, ensuring they know they are entitled to protection, confidentiality, and state-guaranteed legal aid,” said Alina Chilian, the Service’s lawyer.

To minimize additional trauma, hearings were conducted in a specially equipped, survivor-friendly room with integrated audio-video recording technology. “I felt safer,” Ioana explains. “The atmosphere was calm and different from what I had expected. I did not have to repeat my story many times, which helped me avoid reliving the pain.”

On 25 April 2025, the perpetrator was sentenced to eight years in prison for rape. “When I learned that he had been convicted, I felt relief,” Ioana says. “I felt heard.”

Without equal justice, there is no real justice

The Service contributes to Moldova’s efforts to implement its commitments under the Istanbul Convention, as reported in the country’s first GREVIO baseline evaluation report, and serves as a model for replication in other regions.

Supported by UN Women, it works closely with police, forensic experts, district hospitals, social assistance agencies, and civil society across six districts.

“Coordinated and evidence-based interventions can transform survivors’ experiences by reducing systemic barriers and enabling them to report cases and access justice. When professionals work together, and survivors are believed and heard, justice becomes real,” mentions Cristina Ghizdari, Director of the Integrated Regional Service for Victims of Sexual Violence.

Dominika Stojanoska, Country Representative of UN Women Moldova, argues that without equal access to justice for women and men, there can be no real justice. “Even in the Republic of Moldova, where a solid legal framework exists, women and girls continue to face barriers such as high costs, distance, lack of time, low legal literacy, prejudice and stigma,” states Dominika Stojanoska.

For Ioana, recovery is ongoing.  

“It is still not easy. I have difficult moments,” Ioana says. “But I feel stronger and more confident than before. I learned that I am not guilty and that I deserve respect and safety. With the support I received, I am slowly rebuilding trust in myself and in the future.”

*Name changed to protect the identity of the survivor.