The president of the special parliamentary committee „Romania without Violence”, Alina Gorghiu, on Tuesday made an appeal to parliamentarians to prioritise the laws regarding this phenomenon, while also adding that it is essential institutions operating in this field to become stronger, instead of being merged.
According to her, the merger of the Agency for Equal Opportunities with the Agency against Trafficking should not weaken the protection of women.
„I also address my parliamentary colleagues: let’s prioritise projects that reduce violence, not push them back. Every law we postpone can mean one more victim. We need continuous resources and unique centres where victims can receive integrated services – legal, psychological, social, real financing for social services, campaigns that make known the mechanisms that the law already offers: electronic bracelets, protection orders, vouchers, compensation for victims. Employers can receive 2,250 lei for each person who is a victim of violence or human trafficking that they hire. We have legislation. However, we need to monitor its implementation and ensure that these instruments work every day, in communities,” Gorghiu told the joint plenary session of Parliament.
She emphasised that a „real” partnership with local administrations is also needed. „In Cluj-Napoca, victims of domestic violence receive support for paying rent, 300 euros per month for the first year, to build a life away for themselves, far from the aggressor. This means social services that really change destinies,” explained the PNL deputy.
According to her, there is „need for stronger institutions”, and insisted that „the merger of the Agency for Equal Opportunities with the Agency against Trafficking must not weaken the protection of women.” „Europe asks us to strengthen these mechanisms. Romania must show that it treats equal opportunities as a priority,” Alina Gorghiu said.
„Every woman has the right to life and safety. But it is not enough. As Parliament, we cannot just stick to statistics and declarations. We have the obligation to support laws that protect and resources that help. Victims need to know that they are not alone. I want to speak directly to the men of Romania: true power does not lie in violence. Teach your children that respect is true strength and show your daughters that they have the right to safety and dignity,” the Liberal deputy highlighted.
The Senate and the Chamber of Deputies, meeting in joint session on Tuesday, on the occasion of the International Day of Nonviolence, adopted the Declaration „Romania without Domestic Violence” through which they reaffirm their commitment to adopt legislation and public policies aimed at preventing and combating such acts, protecting victims and holding perpetrators accountable. The declaration received 320 votes „in favour” and five abstentions. AGERPRES
