Parliament adopts 'Romania without Domestic Violence' Declaration

The Senate and the Chamber of Deputies, meeting in a joint session on Tuesday to mark the International Day of Non-Violence, adopted the declaration titled 'Romania without Domestic Violence,' reaffirming their commitment to adopting legislation and public policies aimed at preventing and combating such acts, protecting victims and holding perpetrators accountable.The declaration, presented to the plenary by National Liberal Party (PNL) Deputy Alina Gorghiu, received 320 votes in favour and five abstentions."Romania's Parliament firmly condemns all forms of domestic violence - physical, psychological, economic, or sexual - and reaffirms that such acts represent serious violations of fundamental human rights. Parliament expresses solidarity with victims of domestic violence, particularly women and children, and supports the need for immediate and effective protection for them. Parliament calls on the Government and public authorities to step up measures for prevention, intervention and sanctioning of domestic violence, including by allocating the necessary resources for shelters, social, psychological and legal services,' the adopted declaration points out.The Legislature stresses that it "supports the development of educational and awareness programmes in schools, communities and the media, aimed at delivering a clear message that violence is not acceptable and that respect and equality are fundamental values of society.""What is happening in daily life in Romania is unacceptable, where domestic violence is not just a sensational headline, but a persistent reality experienced daily by thousands of women and children. Romania's Parliament reaffirms its commitment to adopt legislation and public policies to prevent and combat domestic violence, protect victims and hold aggressors accountable," the declaration further reads.According to the document, Parliament is calling on relevant institutions - the President of Romania, the Government, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, the Romanian Police, the Public Prosecutor's Office and courts - to ensure the firm and consistent enforcement of legislation regarding the fight against domestic violence, the protection of victims and the punishment of offenders.Parliament also supports the efficient operation and promotion of the national domestic violence emergency helpline: 0800.500.333.In addition, the Legislature acknowledges the vital role played by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in preventing and combating domestic violence and voices full support for their work, encouraging the development of partnerships between state institutions and civil society, based on dialogue and collaboration, to ensure real and effective support for victims."Romania's Parliament also commits to working with experts and NGOs to identify the best solutions for understanding, monitoring and effectively combating the phenomenon of femicide, so that the number of women killed simply because they are women is significantly reduced. Through this declaration, Romania's Parliament launches the national message: Romania without Domestic Violence' and invites civil society, the academic environment, professional organisations and citizens to join this initiative for a country in which every person is protected, respected and free from fear,' the Declaration further points out.