Through Alleviating Domestic Violence & Abuse through New Community Efforts (ADVANCE), Moldovan communities work together to empower women to break the cycle of violence in their families and rebuild their lives through social services and economic opportunity. Both men and women, including young people, are engaged to prevent violence by reaching out to their peers and creating innovative solutions to the problem of domestic violence.
Domestic violence is the most widespread and accepted form of gender-based violence in Moldova, the poorest country in Europe. A recent survey found that 5 of 10 women in rural areas experience physical violence at least once in their lifetime.The problem is related to the patriarchal values and subordinate position of women in Moldovan society. In addition, women's high rates of unemployment have left them economically dependent on men and often unable to leave violent situations at home.
ADVANCE provides assistance to survivors of domestic violence, including counseling, legal assistance, and livelihoods development. Women have access to training and capital that empower them to find decent employment or start their own businesses. The project also works with community members, local government and organizations to raise awareness about domestic violence and build their capacity to assist survivors and promote innovative approaches to change prevailing attitudes and practices.
At least 300 survivors of domestic violence and at-risk women restore their self-confidence and acquire skills and tools to prevent or stop family violence. Local providers improve their ability to identify and address domestic violence. Reporting of cases rises due to increased awareness and understanding of the problem. Community members, including youth and men, will begin to change their attitudes toward domestic violence and act as agents of change.
