Each case of femicide is a social tragedy and a signal that the Romanian state must do more to eliminate violence against girls and women, Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan stated on Tuesday, in a message marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
"I strongly condemn these abuses and call on state institutions to urgently change their approach. Legislation must protect vulnerable people at risk, punish offenders more severely, and deter discrimination, harassment, abuse, and violence from the outset. The amendments currently under parliamentary discussion regarding the automatic extension of provisional protection orders until the court case is resolved, the possibility to request a new protection order if the risk persists, removing the option for the victim to withdraw their request for a protection order, and continuing investigations in cases of domestic violence even if the complaint is withdrawn, are clear steps in this direction," Bolojan said, agerpres reports.
According to him, these legislative changes must be accompanied by the capacity of institutions to act quickly and coherently to ensure the safety of those at risk.
"Stopping perpetrators in time means lives saved. Deterring abuse results in less suffering. It is vital to understand reality and show empathy in order to draft laws that are correct for people and to implement them in their support," the prime minister emphasised.
The head of the Executive noted that another area requiring attention is increasing citizens' trust in state institutions.
"It is essential that when girls and women pick up the phone to seek help, they have confidence that they will receive professional support as quickly as possible and are not passed from one institution to another, as has unfortunately happened in the past. The recent initiative to amend the Law on the Prevention and Combating of Domestic Violence, proposed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, is welcome for improving the intervention system. Specifically, victims will be better protected as police officers who record a breach of a protection order or a provisional protection order will immediately present the perpetrator to the prosecutor once located," Ilie Bolojan explained.
The prime minister highlighted the role of civil society in combating this phenomenon, voicing appreciation for its "important contribution to correcting the legal framework". He went on to underline the need "to continue working together, society and authorities, on this path, because girls and women deserve respect, safety, and the assurance that they have the right to a life free from discrimination, harassment, abuse, or violence."
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