OSCE Mission to Moldova organizes mentoring workshop for psychologists to combat domestic violence

On 21 and 22 May 2015, the OSCE Mission to Moldova held a mentoring workshop for psychologists as part of its project to combat domestic violence. The workshop was the first such event to take place in Moldova and was organized by the OSCE Mission to Moldova, the OSCE Gender Section and the Danish Centre for Gender, Equality and Diversity (KVINFO).

During the event, 12 psychologists from women’s shelters in Chisinau, Balti, Causeni and Drochia explored mentoring techniques designed to foster the sharing of knowledge and skills between experienced psychologists and junior professionals. The aim is to attract more psychologists to the areas of family counselling and domestic violence and to encourage the creation of mentoring networks.

“Unfortunately, many women victims of domestic violence do not receive the help they need,” said Ina Gradinaru, a workshop participant. “This workshop has equipped me with valuable skills and insights that will allow me to assist more women victims of domestic violence in Moldova.”

Despite the fact that around 40 per cent of women in Moldova have suffered from domestic violence, a mapping study conducted by the OSCE Mission to Moldova has confirmed that there is a shortage of psychologists qualified to support domestic violence victims in the country.

For more information on OSCE mentoring initiatives, please visit: www.osce.org/secretariat/107454