On July 22-23, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) organized a workshop dedicated to the statistical survey on gender-based violence. The aim of the meeting was to consult data users on their information needs of in the field of preventing and combating violence in society. The event brought together around 40 participants, including representatives of line ministries, other public authorities, institutions, and non-governmental organizations.

In her opening remarks, Aurelia SPĂTARU, Deputy Director General of the NBS, emphasized that the workshop aims to gather feedback from key data users on the objectives of the statistical survey to be carried out by the NBS in 2026. This input is critical in the process of preparing the statistical tools, but also for organizing field data collection activities in accordance with Eurostat methodology and international recommendations. „This statistical survey differs from any other study conducted on the subject of violence because it is the only one that measures the prevalence or extent of violence at the national level and the prevalence of different forms of violence among the population, and the official statistical data that will be generated as a result will ensure comparability with European Union member states," stated  Aurelia Spătaru.

Cristina JANDÎC, Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, who attended the workshop, specified that „The survey is essential for informing public policies in the field of gender equality and the prevention and combating of all forms of violence against women. We are eager to find out what the current survey will reveal, in a context marked by ongoing efforts of the Government, development partners, and civil society organizations to prevent and combat violence against women. We hope to determine whether these efforts have led to real changes, either in the situation of the victims or in society's perceptions and attitudes towards this phenomenon.”

In turn, Viorica ȚÎMBALARI, Director General of the National Agency for Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, mentioned: „The data reflects, without filter, the reality faced by girls and women who are victims of violence. Without it, policies risk missing to address the needs that require the most urgent intervention. At the same time, the GREVIO report has clearly indicated that we need disaggregated, harmonized, and relevant data in order to understand the scale and nature of violence, to adjust institutional responses, and to better protect women's rights.”

During the event, Dominika STOJANOSKA, UN Women country representative, stated: „Thirty years after the adoption of the Beijing Declaration, violence against women still persists globally, reminding us that progress made must be protected. The ratification of the Istanbul Convention by the Republic of Moldova, the functioning of the National Agency for Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, and the strengthening of the legal framework in this area reflect a real commitment by the Republic of Moldova to preventing and combating violence in the country. The survey, to be conducted by the NBS, will generate essential data on the prevalence of violence, providing a solid foundation for strengthening efforts to prevent violence against women and improving the services offered to victims of violence.”

Dr. Karina NERSESYAN, Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Moldova, mentioned: „UNFPA reaffirms its strong commitment to supporting the strengthening of data on violence against women in Moldova. This project is essential for the development of the national data system, increasing the availability of gender statistics, and transforming them into effective public policies. The national survey on violence against women is a key tool for monitoring progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 5 (gender equality) and for gaining a deeper understanding of the phenomenon. The workshop is an important opportunity to refine the survey methodology in line with international standards and ethical principles, prioritizing the rights and dignity of survivors of violence.”

Present at the event, Merle PAATS, team leader in the Gender-Based Violence and Crime Statistics and Criminal Justice Unit at Eurostat, introduced participants to the EU methodology for measuring gender-based violence and other forms of interpersonal violence (EU-GBV). She also respondend to numerous questions regarding the experiences of EU member states in conducting similar research, providing specific recommendations on the topics discussed. in conducting similar surveys, providing targeted recommendations on the topics discussed.

During the workshop, international experts from UN Women and UNFPA reviewed global and regional commitments on data collection on violence against women. Representatives of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection and the National Agency for Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, together with representatives of civil society organizations (the Women's Law Center and the "Casa Mărioarei" Association), presented the national strategic and legislative framework focused on preventing and combating violence, as well as the existing support mechanisms for victims of violence.

The survey is being conducted within the framework of implementing activities under the National Program for Moldova's accession to the European Union for 2025–2029 (Chapter 18, Action 32), approved by Government Decision No. 306/2025. The preparation of the statistical survey, provisionally named "Women's Well-being and Security," is carried out in collaboration with national and international partners and in accordance with the Eurostat methodology set out in the Methodological Manual for the EU survey on gender-based violence against women and other forms of interpersonal violence (EU-GBV). The survey implementation is expected to contribute to aligning national statistics on gender-based violence with the Eurostat Statistical Requirements Compendium and to the transposition of Article 44, paragraph (3) of EU Directive 2024/1385.

The implementation of the survey will contribute to achieving Specific Objective 4.4 „Public authorities and other statistics producers collect and analyze data with the level of disaggregation required by the Istanbul Convention and ensure research on all forms of violence against women and domestic violence" as outlined in the Action Plan of the National Program on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence for 2023 -2027. It will also support the implementation of the Set of Measures for carrying out GREVIO’s recommendations on the enforcement of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence for the period 2024-2028.

The statistical survey on gender-based violence planned by the NBS will enable the production of monitoring indicators for Sustainable Development Goal 5.2.1 „Proportion of women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to physical, sexual, or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months, by form of violence and by age" and 5.2.2 „Proportion of women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to sexual violence by persons other than an intimate partner in the previous 12 months, by age and place of occurrence", in accordance with Government Decision No. 953/28.12.2022 on the approval of the national monitoring framework for the implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.

The survey will be conducted on a representative sample of households in 2026, preceded by the development and piloting of the methodology by the end of 2025. The preparatory activities are carried out by the NBS, with support from UN Women and UNFPA, within the regional project „Promoting equality: Strengthening gender-sensitive data systems for sustainable development in Europe and Central Asia." The initiative is funded by the Joint Sustainable Development Goals Fund for and Sweden.

Notably, for the first time in the Republic of Moldova, the NBS conducted the survey on „Violence against women in the family" in 2010, with the support of the UN joint project „Strengthening the national statistical system."