STUDY ON CHILD VICTIMS OF CRIME AND LEGAL PROCEEDINGS: THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA CASE

According to a new study released on April 24, 2013 by the National Center for Child Abuse Prevention (CN PAC), in co-operation with SOCIOPOLIS Center of Investigations and Consultation, Moldova experienced an increased number of cases in the criminal justice system that involved child victims of crime, mainly children aged 10-16. The study was conducted with the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Moldova Civil Society Strengthening Program (MCSSP), implemented by FHI 360.

"Child Victims of Crime and Legal Proceedings: The Republic of Moldova Case" is the first study of its kind conducted in Moldova that analyzed the legal provisions for the participation of child victims of crime in legal proceedings and the Moldovan authorities' response to abuses committed against children. Data for the study was collected from November to December 2012 from 306 criminal prosecution officers, prosecutors, and judges, as well as 11 in-depth interviews with public authorities and judicial institutions, and 10 case studies with child victims of crime.

The study highlights that specialized psychological assistance services for child victims of crime are poorly developed in the Republic of Moldova and that there is a need to develop the legal framework to mandate the participation of a professional psychologist at any hearing where a child is a witness or the injured party in a crime.

Further, the study recommends that the Criminal Procedure Code be adjusted to ensure child-friendly proceedings both within the criminal and court trial proceedings. Key institutions should create the child-protective conditions stipulated by law, especially the arrangement of specialized rooms for children's hearings in accordance to the standards approved by the Ministry of Justice.

For more information about the study, please contact CN PAC via phone at (+373) 22 75-88-06, via e-mail at office@cnpac.org.md, or visit www.cnpac.org.md, http://amicel.org.md.

This study is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), under the Moldova Civil Society Strengthening Program (MCSSP), implemented by FHI 360.

 

Attachment	Size
Cnpac report.pdf	4.12 MB
Executive Summary in English.pdf	419.06 KB