In Republic of Moldova, thousands of women silently endure painful experiences of physical, emotional, psychological, financial, or digital violence. Last year, around 1,200 women were subjected to physical violence, according to data from the General Police Inspectorate. For many of them, fear, shame, and a lack of trust in the authorities are difficult obstacles to overcome. That’s why they hesitate to seek help, fearing they won’t be believed, that they will be judged, or that the perpetrators will go unpunished, which could make their situation even worse.

However, in recent years, things have started to change. Our country has made significant progress in combating this phenomenon and protecting victims of domestic violence, including by improving the support processes available to them and creating spaces where they can feel safe.

One of the key tools that now supports the work of forensic doctors is the Regulation on Medical Forensic Assessment of the Severity of Bodily Injuries, revised with the support of UNDP Moldova and adopted by Government decision in 2023. This essential document provides stronger legal safeguards for victims of domestic violence, such as the evaluation of the psychological impact of violence on a person's health, the introduction of the principle of reasonable accommodation, and the inclusion of mandatory reporting requirements for cases of domestic violence, regardless of the victim’s consent.

The measures taken have begun to restore trust in the justice system and to provide a safer and more empathetic environment for victims. This is confirmed by Ana, a woman who lived for over a decade in a relationship marked by violence, but who found support and protection when she finally had the courage to ask for help.

How did she manage to break free? Here is her story…

It is important to note that this case is inspired by the stories of several women who have sought refuge in shelters supported by UNDP Moldova. Ana’s journey toward justice is a fictional character but a voice for real experiences that follows an ideal path. In reality, however, things don’t always happen this way.

Years of silence and mistrust

Ana is a 38-year-old woman from a village in central Moldova who, for years, endured physical, verbal, emotional, and financial abuse at the hands of her husband, especially when he was under the influence of alcohol. Although the neighbors suspected what was happening, no one intervened. Ana didn’t ask for help, not because she didn’t want to, but because she was financially dependent on her husband and lacked trust that anyone would help her.

She had heard stories of women who were ignored by the police, of complaints that were dismissed, of abusers who came back home even angrier. Beyond fear and shame, Ana also didn’t want their 10-year-old daughter to grow up without a father.

A painful new beginning

One night, she was hit in front of her daughter. The terrified look in her child’s eyes hurt more than any blow. That was the moment Ana realized she could no longer wait. With trembling hands, she dialed 112. That call was the hardest step she had ever taken. She didn’t know if she would be believed. She didn’t know if she would be protected. But her instinct as a mother was stronger than her fear.

To her surprise, the police arrived quickly. One of the officers spoke to her calmly and respectfully, explained her rights, and assured her that she was not alone. An emergency restraining order was issued immediately and the violent husband was removed from the home that very night.

Support beyond expectations

After the police intervention, Ana and her daughter were taken to the hospital. She was in pain all over her body. The medical staff on duty immediately provided her with care. Meanwhile, her daughter was looked after by a nurse.

The next morning, Ana announced that she wanted to withdraw her complaint from the police and return home. However, the police officer explained to her that even if she withdrew the complaint, the abuser would not escape punishment. On the contrary, there was a risk that violent incidents could recur after ten days when the emergency restraining order expired. He therefore advised and encouraged her to see a forensic doctor to obtain clear evidence of the injuries sustained from the abuse.

Eventually, Ana agreed to visit the forensic doctor to have her bodily injuries documented.

She was taken to a separate room designated for examinations of domestic violence victims, where her physical injuries were assessed. Additionally, a psychologist evaluated the psychological trauma she had suffered at the hands of her abuser. It was the first time someone had seen her invisible wounds, and this helped Ana gain greater trust in the specialists examining her.

The Center that became her home and support

Ana wanted to return home, but fear held her back. After an honest conversation with the psychologist, who also informed her about the possibility of temporarily staying at a center for survivors of domestic violence and provided detailed information about the available options, Ana found the courage to take an important step: she agreed to go, together with her daughter, to the nearest shelter for victims of violence.

There, they were welcomed with care and respect. They received clean clothes, a hot meal, and a safe bed, simple things, but essential in a moment of crisis. Moreover, a multidisciplinary team made up of a psychologist, social worker, and lawyer provided them with the necessary support.

In this protected environment, Ana learned that she was entitled to free legal assistance, that she could request a protection order, and most importantly, that she did not have to face the criminal process alone. Throughout her stay at the center, she received psychological counseling and ongoing support.