Senate President Mircea Abrudean said on Tuesday that domestic violence is one of the issues requiring a response „with full institutional firmness,” noting that it can no longer be „ignored, hidden, or minimized.”
„The adoption of the declaration ‘Romania Without Domestic Violence’ in the joint session of the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies is a sign that political leaders, both in power and in opposition, understand that for a European, democratic, and united Romania, domestic violence can no longer be ignored, hidden, or minimized. Today, in the Romanian Parliament, we also mark the International Day of Non-Violence. This is a commendable step,” Abrudean said in the plenary session.
He emphasized that senators and deputies have a legal and moral obligation to be the voice of all victims, especially when they cannot or do not dare to speak due to fear or coercion.
„The declaration ‘Romania Without Domestic Violence’ must not remain a mere political statement of intent. It must be a national commitment, a recognition once and for all that domestic violence has reached an unacceptable level in recent years. We need an approach that goes beyond political parties, governments, and electoral cycles. Today, through this declaration, we commit to continuing with greater determination and intensifying legislative efforts to build more effective and faster support mechanisms for every victim of domestic violence. At the same time, this declaration should be seen as a duty we all assume in the presence of all victims of domestic violence and of the children who have witnessed such tragedies and continue to live in fear,” Abrudean stressed.
He added that Romania must be made safe for all citizens.
„As Senate President, I assure you that the fight against domestic violence will not remain merely declarative. We need updated legislation, support for victims, and firmness against aggressors. I want these efforts to continue through integrated, coordinated, and real collaboration between Parliament, the Government, public administration, civil society, and local communities,” Abrudean said.
According to the Senate president, domestic violence requires a response „with full institutional firmness.”
„Domestic violence is one of those issues that compel us to respond with full institutional firmness. We can no longer afford to remain indifferent or react too late, after the harm has been done. The reality is harsh. One in two women in Romania has been a victim of domestic violence. We are among the top four EU countries in the incidence of violence against women, according to Eurostat. Less than 10% of victims reach support services. Over 50% of young women in Romania fear they may become victims of physical, sexual, or domestic violence,” he said.
Abrudean noted that political will, sustainable public policies, education, and early intervention are essential.
„The response we give today is clear: Romania will no longer tolerate domestic violence. This is our mission and solemn commitment. It is our shared duty, with determination, to build a safe Romania where each of us can live freely and without fear,” he added.
Parliament adopted the declaration ‘Romania Without Domestic Violence,’ on Tuesday, reaffirming its commitment to adopting legislation and public policies to prevent and combat domestic violence, protect victims, and hold perpetrators accountable. AGERPRES
