The Solidarity March with Survivors of Sexual Violence brought together around 200 people in Ungheni.

The Ungheni community came together today in a powerful act of solidarity and support for victims and survivors of sexual violence as part of “Denim Day”—a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about sexual violence.

Approximately 200 women, men, and young people, all wearing denim, marched with clear messages denouncing sexual violence and advocating for survivors. The march began at Independence Square and ended in "Micul Cluj" Park, where participants painted the Women and Girls Trustline number — 0 8008 8008 — on benches to help raise awareness about support services available for victims of sexual violence.

The event was financially supported by the European Union through the EVOLVE4GE project and organized by the International Center "La Strada" in partnership with UN Women Moldova.

Participants carried banners with anti-violence messages and information about the Regional Integrated Service for Victims of Sexual Violence in Ungheni Municipality. This service provides, under one roof and free of charge, medical, forensic, psychological, legal, and social assistance, and serves six districts: Ungheni, Călărași, Telenești, Fălești, Sîngerei, and Nisporeni. The contact numbers for the service are: 0785 17 327 | 0784 95 866.

“Sexual violence continues to affect women and girls in the Republic of Moldova. According to an OSCE study, 49% of women in Moldova have experienced sexual harassment at least once in their lifetime after the age of 15. Every April, we amplify voices and efforts against all forms of sexual violence and draw public attention to the urgent need for prevention and response—in schools, universities, workplaces, and interpersonal relationships,” stated Dominika Stojanoska, UN Women Moldova Country Representative, in the context of Sexual Harassment Awareness Month.

“This public demonstration aims to challenge the stereotypes surrounding sexual violence and promote respect, empathy, and support for survivors. Through this march, we seek to send a strong message of solidarity and raise public awareness that sexual violence is a serious issue requiring everyone’s involvement,” said Elena Botezatu, Executive Director of the International Center “La Strada.”

Cristina Ghizdari, Manager of the Regional Integrated Service for Victims of Sexual Violence in Ungheni, emphasized that the community’s mobilization through this march carries deep significance. “The actions we’re taking here today show that people in this community choose not to remain silent in the face of a painful reality. For the Regional Integrated Service, this event helps break the silence, encourages reporting of cases, and shows that real support and empathy are available for survivors.”

To mark Denim Day, multiple awareness and educational activities were held in Ungheni. The morning began with two sessions focused on sexual harassment at the local medical college and vocational school. Additionally, social workers from the districts of Ungheni, Nisporeni, Fălești, Sîngerei, Telenești, and Călărași gathered to discuss victim-centered approaches in responding to cases of sexual violence.

Background on Denim Day:
The Denim Day campaign was sparked by a decision of the Supreme Court of Italy, which overturned a rape conviction and triggered a strong reaction from civil society. In 1990, an 18-year-old woman was taken by her driving instructor—a 45-year-old married man—on her first lesson. He drove her to a remote area, forced her out of the car, partially removed her jeans, and raped her. He then threatened to kill her if she told anyone and forced her to drive home. That same night, she told her parents, who supported her and filed a criminal complaint. The rapist was convicted and sentenced to prison, but he appealed the verdict all the way to the Supreme Court.

In 1992, a Supreme Court judge overturned the conviction, arguing that because the victim was wearing tight jeans, she must have helped remove them, which implied consent.

The following day, women in the Italian Parliament came to work wearing jeans—against the formal dress code—as a sign of solidarity with the victim. Since then, Denim Day has been marked annually across numerous European countries and the United States on the last Wednesday of April as a symbol of protest against harmful attitudes toward sexual assault.

In April 2018, Denim Day was commemorated for the first time in Moldova, initiated by the International Center “La Strada.”

As a reminder, in March 2023, UN Women Moldova, in partnership with local authorities and civil society, established the country’s first Regional Integrated Service for Victims of Sexual Violence with financial support from the European Union. The service, piloted by the International Center “La Strada,” ensures survivors have access to specialized medical care, forensic examinations, psychosocial and legal assistance, and psychological evaluation—all in one location. It covers the districts of Ungheni, Fălești, Sîngerei, Călărași, Nisporeni, and Telenești.

Since its launch, 72 victims have received support, including 50 survivors of sexual violence. The service can be reached at: 0785 17 327 | 0784 95 866.