In Moldova, violence against children (VAC) and violence against women (VAW) remain critical concerns, often occurring in the same households and driven by shared social norms, economic stressors, and structural inequalities. Despite progress in national legislation and service delivery, women and children still experience high rates of psychological, physical, and sexual violence.
This study aimed to inform policies and practices to address and prevent VAC and VAW in Moldova through a comprehensive analysis of their intersections. It examines the drivers and co-occurrence of VAC and VAW across generations, within households and digital spaces. The study also assesses how current legislation, services, and institutions align with international standards and the perspectives of service providers and practitioners throughout Moldova. These findings will inform system strengthening and reform.
The research uses a mixed-methods approach to generate practical recommendations for coordinated responses. It includes a contextual analysis of violence in Moldova, a mapping of governance and legal frameworks, a global review of interventions, and primary data collection through surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions with frontline service providers and practitioners.
Findings will inform national and local efforts to strengthen multisectoral service delivery, further align Moldova’s prevention and response systems with global standards, and support integrated approaches to end violence against women and children. The research also contributes to global learning on the intersection of VAC and VAW and supports UNICEF and UNFPA’s efforts to promote equitable and coordinated protection systems in Moldova.
This study is led by a research consortium comprising Tsunagu, CIVIS, and the Learning for Well-being Institute. This study is part of the UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme “Breaking the Cycle of Violence Against Women and Children”.
The research was commissioned by UNICEF Moldova and UNFPA Moldova.
