Multidisciplinary response to cases of sexual violence in four regions of the country
The International Center La Strada, with the support of Oxfam in partnership with the General Police Inspectorate, expanded the work of intervention teams in cases of sexual violence in four police inspectorates – police departments in the municipalities of Chisinau, Orhei, Hincesti and Ialoveni. This activity derives from the priorities of the national authorities to ensure a systemic approach to sexual violence, in order to ensure an effective response of the relevant bodies: police, social assistance, public health, forensic medicine, education, as well as representatives of civil society organizations.
For this, La Strada has planned a series of activities to strengthen the capacities of legal professionals, but also in a multidisciplinary format, to contribute to a strengthened response in cases of sexual violence, according to a joint conceptual framework of intervention. Strengthening the capacities of professionals to respond to cases of sexual violence is even more urgent now, in the context of the armed conflict in Ukraine, when thousands of women and girls who fled the war are temporarily in Moldova, and the data indicate an increased vulnerability of displaced persons and refugees to any form of abuse and exploitation.
The multidisciplinary approach to cases of sexual violence is necessary, given that the analysis of sex crime cases has shown an ineffective response from authorities. Thus, it was found that from the moment the crime is committed until the conviction of the person the victims of sex crimes face a series of procedural violations of their rights, preconceived approaches, stereotypes, procedural actions that come to intimidate them, to put them in an unfavorable situation, to discriminate against them in relation to this crime, although they are victims and bear no blame for the crimes committed. These violations not only discriminate against victims, but also discourage them from reporting to competent authorities or from supporting complaints to the end, being often forced to give in by withdrawing complaints and reconciling.
In this context, the first training workshop for the heads of police inspectorates was held, with the participation of trainers from Stefan cel Mare Police Academy, the International Center La Strada and the Forensic Medicine Department of Nicolae Testemitanu University of Medicine. They provided knowledge on correct approach to sex crimes, their specifics, as well as the response of law enforcement bodies in cases of sexual violence through cooperation with experts, doctors and representatives of social services. Thus, the police will ensure not only the legal procedure for investigating and documenting cases, but will also refer victims to specialized assistance services.
The trainings start from identifying stereotypes, approaches and beliefs regarding sexual violence among society in general and perpetrators in particular.
“Unfortunately, sexual violence remains a very sensitive topic, which is viewed as a problem of the victim, so there are many cases that are not reported to law enforcement. The reasons for not reporting such cases are different, ranging from fear, shame, blaming victims, to lack of knowledge about where and how a victim of sexual violence can be helped. Through joint efforts of prompt and professional response of specialists, victims of sexual violence can benefit from an individual approach and the necessary support, including psychological, legal, medical,” said Doina Cazacu, director of the women’s program at La Strada.
As a result, it will be possible to investigate and document cases through a multidisciplinary approach, when close cooperation between police officers and specialists in the field of psychology, medicine, as well as NGOs will lead to a complex approach to cases from the perspective of risk assessment and of ensuring adequate protection and assistance for victims. The team approach will also increase victims’ trust in law enforcement and encourage reporting of cases of sexual violence in order to bring perpetrators to justice.
The event was organized in partnership with the General Police Inspectorate with the support of Oxfam GB as part of the project “Strengthening the national response of combating human trafficking and gender-based violence in Moldova in the context of the armed conflict in Ukraine”.