Strengthening support for child survivors of sexual abuse in Moldova

In Moldova, 2 in 5 women have experienced physical or sexual violence since age 15, 1 in 4 adolescent girls aged 15–19 who have had a partner have faced abuse, and 10% of children have been subjected to sexual violence.

To address this, UNICEF, in partnership with the NGO ”Health for Youth”, scaled up the Caring for Child Survivors of Sexual Abuse (CCS) package, training 390 professionals from justice, health, education, and social assistance sectors.

The training was delivered by 16 certified trainers who had completed the Training of Trainers (ToT) program, ensuring a multiplier effect and consistent adherence to international standards. The CCS package, a globally recognized and survivor-centred tool, was adapted to Moldova’s context to strengthen multi-sectoral responses and build a coordinated, empathetic, and rights-based support system for children and adolescents, including refugees.

Together, we are creating safer spaces and better care for children who need it most.

The initiative is organized by the NGO “Health for Youth” in partnership with the National Resource Centre for Youth-Friendly Health Services “NEOVITA”, the Ministry of Health, and the National Agency for Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Family Violence. It is part of the joint UNICEF–UNFPA programme “Break the Cycle of Violence Against Children and Women”, funded by the Government of the United Kingdom (through FCDO).