Moldova: Information on the availability of protection for women subjected to domestic violence, in particular for a Gagauz woman married to a Moldovan
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 July 1994 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | MDA17959.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Moldova: Information on the availability of protection for women subjected to domestic violence, in particular for a Gagauz woman married to a Moldovan, 1 July 1994, MDA17959.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6ab1234.html [accessed 25 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
KIMSPublisher:Ottawa
According to Country Reports 1993, public awareness of domestic violence is low and abused women generally do not appeal to the police or the courts for protection (1994, 979). The source indicates that women can press charges under the law and prison sentences of up to 6 months for offenders are not uncommon (ibid.). Country Reports 1993 further states that there are no special government programs to combat spousal abuse and police generally do not consider spousal abuse a serious crime, but once such cases are brought to court they are regarded seriously (ibid.).
A specialist on Moldovan affairs at Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) in Munich indicated that he was unaware of government-sponsored shelters or programs for abused women, or of any specific laws on domestic violence (22 July 1994). The specialist was unable to provide further information on this issue.
This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.
References
Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 1993. 1994. United States Department of State. Washington, DC: United States Government Printing Office.
Specialist on Moldovan affairs, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL). 22 July 1994. Telephone interview.
Other Sources Consulted
Centre for Women Studies, Kiev.
Helsinki Commission (Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe), Washington, DC. January 1993. Human Rights and Democratization in the Newly Independent States of the former Soviet Union.
Helsinki Watch. Human Rights in Moldova. 1993. New York: Human Rights Watch.
Network of East-West Women, Washington, DC.
US Helsinki Commission, Washington, DC.
WIN [Lexington, Mass.]. Quarterly.
