The EU Mutual Learning Programme in Gender Equality – Combatting Domestic Violence – Romania – 26-27 April 2023

Participants heard about several good practices currently implemented in Romania, as part of the country’s efforts to bring legislation and services into line with the provisions of the Istanbul Convention against violence against women and domestic violence, which it ratified in 2016.

Romania’s National Agency for Equal Opportunities between Women and Men (ANES) acts on the government’s behalf in promoting equal opportunities and treatment for women and men and preventing and combatting domestic violence (DV). One of its most important initiatives is the EU-funded ‘Venus – Together for a Life in Safety’ project. With 42 partners in all counties, it has established a network of protected houses, 42 support groups and 42 vocational counselling offices. Over 7,000 people have taken part including 6,636 DV victims.

The Romanian Ministry of Justice runs the project on ‘Support for implementing the Istanbul Convention in Romania’, funded by Norway. The project has carried out a national research study, training for policymakers, judges, police and service providers, and set up eight counselling centres for perpetrators treating over 100 offenders.  

Seminar participants visited the FEMINA Emergency Centre in Bucharest, a shelter for DV victims which provides 20 beds in 11 bedrooms with bathrooms, as well as social and recreational spaces and a children’s playroom.

The participants discussed and compared national strategies and good practices for preventing and combatting domestic violence, culminating in a number of conclusions and recommendations. Ratification and implementation of the Istanbul Convention was stressed as key to tackling domestic violence across the EU, providing a framework for action. Primary prevention was seen as a top priority. This entails greater investment in working with boys and men, as well as widespread awareness raising in society. Attitudes in society need to change to end patriarchal culture and the stigma attached to domestic violence, through education of boys and girls from school age onwards. Domestic violence training is required for the judiciary, medical practitioners, teachers, social workers and others to overcome stereotypes and instill a gender perspective. Furthermore, sustainable planning and funding are needed to maintain services. Special efforts need to be made to reach vulnerable groups such as LGBTIQ, disabled, rural, migrant and Roma victims of domestic violence.