ADVANCE: Alleviating Domestic Violence in Moldova

In September, ADVANCE organized a national forum for volunteers, “Promoting and Sustaining Volunteer Activities in Domestic Violence Alleviation.” Forty youth volunteers, who work regularly with the project’s local NGO partners, took part in the forum, which was attended by government agencies, international and national organizations, and media. The volunteers presented their unique perspectives, experiences and recommendations for further engagement of young people in the movement against family violence in Moldova. The event was the first opportunity for volunteers from the project’s two target regions to meet in person and have an exchange, and it was also the first time stakeholders on the national level had a chance to hear the perspectives of youth, and have a joint discussion on the subject. Both sides reported to have gained much from the discussion, which hopefully will continue in the future. Through the event, ADVANCE encouraged decision makers to solicit young people’s inputs as they continue to strengthen the anti-violence network in Moldova.

To date, ADVANCE has provided services to more than 180 survivors of domestic violence and women at risk, and reached more than 600 people in rural villages through Mobile Technical Units. The project has also reached 1,086 young people through peer-to-peer sessions addressing gender roles and stereotypes, as well as providing tools for violence mitigation and prevention. 120 of these young people have gone on to conduct their own follow-on activities in their respective communities. 

On behalf of Winrock and our partners in the ADVANCE project, we thank donors for their generous support. To date we have raised over $1,200, thanks to individuals like you. Stay tuned for more updates!