New Perspectives for Women NEWS RELEASE

Main topics:

Vulnerability of young women from the Republic of Moldova to human trafficking

Domestic violence

Date: September 22, 2005 From: Chisinau, 65 Stefan cel Mare st., of. 603

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Winrock International as implementers of the project New Perspectives for Women invites the news corps to a Press Conference, at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 4, 2005 at the office of NPW, 65, Stefan cel Mare bd., of. 603 in Chisinau

Winrock International will present the results of the National Representative Survey "Women At-Risk in the Republic of Moldova" conducted by IMAS inc, who interviewed young women primarily between the ages of 16 and 35.

This research identifies contemporary pressures that weigh heavily upon young women and can result in desperation that leads to flawed life decisions that are illegal, humiliating, unsafe, and sometimes dangerous.

Defining vulnerability in terms of recruitment situation and the propensity to break rules this research shows that 6% among people aged between 16 and 35 may be considered as belonging to the vulnerable group with high risks to be trafficked, whereas the other 12% of the respondents may be considered as belonging to the group with medium risks to be trafficked.

The general pressure created by low income, poor living, frustration resulting from the difference between the expectances’ level and reality, the tendency of imitating someone’s successful evolutions are some of the reasons that make the people find solutions, even illegal or dangerous ones, for surviving. As vulnerable girls do not always have access to official channels or qualify for formal job opportunities, they will mainly resort to risky employment options, where they believe they would be accepted more easily.

This research refers to women trafficking and domestic violence. Moreover, this study is a sociological one and it deliberately ignores the economical and legal approaches of the problem. These approaches do not exclude each other and a comprehensive study should comprise all three approaches. This research will stress the social-demographical factors of vulnerability to trafficking and the decisions of females aged between 16 and 35 to accept migration risks.

According to the data revealed by this survey, 41% of our sample state that they have been victims of one or another type of domestic violence at a certain point in their lives.

This research relates the incidents of the following types of domestic violence:

1. Psychological violence – reported 32% of the respondents

2. Physical violence – reported 18% of the respondents

3. Social violence – reported 21% of the respondents

4. Economic violence – reported 9% (89 respondents)

5. Sexual violence – reported 3% (30 respondents)

The widest spread type of domestic violence is psychological violence which, in all cases, accompanies the other forms of domestic violence.

The New Perspectives for Women program through Mobile Technical Units provides young Moldovan women with access to vital trainings, psychological counseling, peer support groups, legal aid, information and referral mechanisms, and assists them in making career decisions.

Project Director, Dr. Susanne E. Jalbert, emphasizing the importance of the National Representative Survey and the value that the Project's five Regional Support Centers services bring to young women from villages, said, "by increasing the ability of Moldovan women to succeed in today’s economy, we decrease their vulnerability and ensure a better future for Moldovan women and their families."

For more information contact Information Coordinator E-Mail: info@winrock.org.md or Telephone: 022.271.290

65 Stefan cel Mare blvd., s 603 Phone: +37322.271.290 info@winrock.org.md Chisinau MD-2001, Moldova Fax: +37322.272.489 www.winrock.org.md

The interim report discusses subsequent resolutions passed by the General Assembly, which address specific issues of violence against women and request the Secretary-General to submit the report on violence against women during the Assembly’s 60th session. The introduction to the interim report explains that various factors, including preparation by the Commission on the Status of Women for Beijing +10 and the “limited capacity of the Secretariat” have delayed the completion of the report. The study and the resulting report will be submitted during the sixty-first session of the General Assembly.

In the meantime, the interim report provides information about the status of the study. It indicates that the study is intended as a “vehicle for galvanizing attention to the issue” of violence against women and a way to “strengthen concerted action at the national and international levels.” The report lays out the context and the international law upon which the study is based and the method by which the study is being carried out. The study was commissioned to build on the efforts of national, international and non-governmental actors to document and combat violence against women. It is particularly aimed at documenting and understanding the types and the extent of violence against women in all areas of the world.

The study will shed light on the pervasiveness of violence against women and will expose where there are gaps in the existing data. It will include information about the causes, consequences and costs of the violence and offer strategies for overcoming obstacles that currently prevent the elimination of such violence. Best practices of various actors will be highlighted and can be used as models to achieve effective implementation of the commitments that governments have already made by signing and ratifying various international texts. The study will review the existing human rights framework to determine the responsibilities of States “to prevent, investigate and punish acts of violence against women, whether those acts are perpetrated by the State or by private persons, as well as to provide remedies for victims.”

The preparation of the study has entailed the participation of UN entities, UN Member States, non-governmental organizations and others, as well as the creation of two consultative mechanisms, a Task Force and an advisory committee. The Task Force “serves as the main conduit for information exchange and for channeling information, comments and suggestions to the Secretariat.” The advisory committee is made up of 10 experts on violence against women who provide guidance and advice regarding the preparation of the study. Information has been gathered from numerous sources within the UN system, including from the treaty bodies, the Commission on Human Rights, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women and many others.

To conclude the study, there will be additional briefings, consultations and workshops targeted at “all interested stakeholders” in an attempt to strengthen their commitment to wholeheartedly accept and act upon the final report when it is released. Although “[a]n extensive framework of standards and norms to combat violence against women exists... such violence persists in epidemic proportions in all parts of the world, and new forms of violence against women emerge.”   It is imperative for stakeholders to become accountable for change. The interim report explains the hope that active involvement during the preparation of the study will lead to effective action.

A preliminary outline of the study is available in the Annex to the interim report.

Compiled from: "Violence Against Women: Report of the Secretary-General," United Nations (A/60/211),  10 August 2005.

The ICTY’s chief prosecutor, Carla del Ponte, has demanded that war crimes suspects be handed over to the court, and has only recently shown signs of satisfaction with Belgrade’s co-operation. High on Ms Del Ponte’s list is the Bosnian Serb commander Ratko Mladic, accused of genocide.  Mr. Mladic is believed to be hiding somewhere in Serbia.

Montenegro and Kosovo
Mr. Rehn also told the leadership of Montenegro, which is currently tied to Serbia by a union, that its proposed referendum on independence should abide by international standards. 

A three-year agreement on the united status of the two former Yugoslav republics will run out in February 2006, with a referendum planned for next year. The current SAA framework between Brussels and Belgrade covers both Serbia and Montenegro, however preliminary talks on the SAA were held separately with both countries.

Negotiations are also set to start shortly on the future status of Kosovo, which is currently a UN protectorate.

Compiled from: Serbian EU Hangs by a Thread, Rehn Says, Mark Beunderman, EU Observer, 11 October 2005.

Today, before the Special Department of the Belgrade District Court, a trial chamber composed of judges Dicic, Albijanic and Tatalovic, has made a judgment for the offence human trafficking pursuant to Article 111b Paragraph 2 of the Criminal Law of the Republic of Serbia, where the citizens of Ukraine O.N. and E.I. appeared as victims. The trial chamber has pronounced the following sentences:

The organizer of the criminal group, Mladen Dalmacija, tried in absence, has been sentenced to eight years in prison.

Vladimir Dudic has been sentenced to six years, Tatjana Dudic to 4 years and Dragan Andrijasevic to 3 years in prison.

Defendants are evicted of their property acquired through the commission of this crime.

Vladimir Dudic will remain in detention, while Dragan Andrijasevic is free to go until the judgment is made final.

Tatjana Dudic is also free to go until the judgment is made final, but she is forbidden to leave town and her passport has been taken away.

This was the first time that our courts referred to the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and supplementing Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Human Beings, Especially Women and Children.

Published in:
”Convictions for Trafficking handed down in Serbia,” ASTRA Press Release, 30 September 2005.

Anti Trafficking Action
SOS tel/fax: +381 11 33 47 817
tel: +381 11 33 47 853
e-mail: astranet@sezampro.yu
http://www.astra.org.yu/

• Purple Ribbons : Provide purple ribbons to members of your community to wear throughout the month. 
• Table Signs: Create small signs that can be placed on tables at restaurants in your community, providing information about domestic violence including community resources for survivors. 
• Library Displays: Contact libraries and public meeting areas in your community and provide them with materials to create an informative display raising awareness of domestic violence.
• Church Campaign: Contact local religious institutions and ask them to include information about domestic violence in their services.
• Clothesline Project Display: The Clothesline Project involves having survivors of domestic violence decorate a tee-shirt depicting their story with violence. The shirts are then collected and displayed in a public place.

Compiled from: "Domestic Violence Awareness Month" The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, (last accessed 26 October 2005).

To read a complete version of the new law click here 

Compiled from:
"Draft Law of Georgia on Combating Domestic Violence, Protection of and Support to Its Victims"

Another issue that has plagued the talks is the issue of Cyprus. The current text of the framework forbids Turkey from "blocking EU member states from participating in international organizations." This would necessarily force Turkey to recognize Cyprus. Due to the difficulty of the negoations, the UK foreign minister, Jack Straw, indicated that he "could not be certain' that an agreement could be reached."

The meeting to address Croatia's accession was postponed until an agreement on Turkey is reached.

Cited in: EU Continues to be Deadlocked on Turkey, EUobserver, 3 October 2005.

The sanctions imposed by the EU include an embargo on "arms and equipment that might be used for internal repression" and a ban on travel to the EU for Uzbek officials. The sanctions will last for one year and will then be reviewed based on "Uzbekistan's willingness to 'adhere to the principles of respect for human rights, rule of law and fundamental freedoms." This requirement is a part of the 1999 Partnerhsip and Cooperation Agreement that established and governs the relationship between the EU and Uzbekistan. It is unclear what effect these sanctions will have given the fact that Uzbekistan secures its arms and equipment, in large part, from "Russia, China and other non-EU states."

Compiled from: Chivers, C.J. EU Sets Sanctions on Uzbekistan, International Herald Tribune, 3 October 2005; EU Considers Uzbekistan Sanctions, EUobserver, 3 October 2005.

On Thursday September 29, 2005, police raided Cuddles massage parlor in Birmingham, Britain.  As a result of the raid nineteen women, believed to be victims of human trafficking, were freed from the institution.  The women were from Greece, Latvia, Turkey, Poland, Italy, Japan, and Hong Kong.  The police have reason to believe that the women were lured into Britain with promises of employment as nannies and waitresses, but instead were trafficked into the sex industry.  The women’s documents, such as passports, were likely confiscated to make it more difficult for the women to escape.  The women were locked at a house by day and brought to Cuddles at night.  Cuddles was secured with an electric fence behind the building and some boarded windows.  The police found a sawn-off shotgun and batons on the premises.

As of October 1, twelve of the women were expected to be released, while seven were being held pending checks of their immigration status.  There is concern over what happens to victims of trafficking after they are released.  One suggestion is to offer training to the women so that they will be able to find employment to support themselves and their families.  Otherwise it is possible that the women will once again fall victim to human trafficking.  Another concern is whether the victims will be welcomed into their community if their past is known.

While Amnesty International commends the raids, it insists that the United Kingdom must do more to counteract trafficking.  Amnesty encourages the United Kingdom to sign up for a new European convention on action against human trafficking.  The convention allows for the provision of emergency housing, medical care, and temporary residence permits for victims within the country they have been trafficked into.  The government, however, is resisting signing on because of concerns that the services will be abused and that people without a legitimate right to remain in England will do so.   

Compiled From:
19 Women Rescued from Brothel, BBC News, 30 September 2005.  

Police Free Sex Trade Women in Raid on Massage Parlour, The Guardian , 1 October 2005. 

19 Sex Slaves Rescued in Raid on Massage Parlour, The Times, 1 October 2005.

While the report notes some positive developments in victim assistance and protection, it also notes some gaps. The report is a call for increased inter-governmental cooperation to help understand and counteract the intricacies of trafficking.

Compiled From:
Second Annual Report on Victims of Trafficking in South Eastern Europe, Rebecca Surtees, Regional Clearing Point, International Organization for Migration, 2005
Human Trafficking Reaching Alarming Proportions in South-eastern Europe with New Trends Emerging, News Release No. 884, September 16, 2005.

For further information please contact Meenakshi Ahluwalia, meenakshi.ahluwalia@undp.org

Compiled from: "UNIFEM Self-Help Kit for Victims of Violence" Currents UNIFEM's Electronic Newsletter, September 2005.

The seminar will be held at the Thistle Hotel, Barbican – Room: Clerkenwell Suite, 120 Central Street, London EC1V 8DS.

For information and registration: ewl@womenlobby.org

The article on Minnesota's new felony strangulation law (Aug. 23) addresses the importance of training police officers and medical personnel to recognize the injuries associated with strangulation. It also emphasizes the need to raise public awareness on the lethality and frequency of strangulation in domestic violence. A recent case in Hennepin County illustrates this.

In early December 2004, Minneapolis police responded to a 911 domestic abuse call. When they arrived, they found a woman in tears sitting on the floor, looking dazed. She was talking so softly it was difficult to hear her. According to the complaint, several children were present, and they told the officers that their stepfather had been arguing with their mother and had grabbed her neck from behind and strangled her. Two of the children said that they had tried to "awake" her after she lost consciousness. Their stepfather had fled the home.

At a civil hearing petitioning for an order for protection, the victim described the assault: "He grabbed me from behind, not with his hands, with his forearm, and choked me, until I had no air in my body at all. I couldn't breathe, period. I wasn't gasping for air because I couldn't get any air. All I remember is me scratching his arm to get it off my neck. And I passed out."

The victim was taken to the hospital, where medical staff observed, documented and photographed a red mark along the side of her neck consistent with being strangled.

The Hennepin County attorney's office reviewed the police report and charged the defendant with felony third-degree assault for inflicting "substantial bodily harm." He was also charged with interference with a 911 call and endangerment of a child, both gross misdemeanors.

To prove her case to the jury, the prosecutor played the recording of the 911 call made by the victim's 12-year-old daughter telling the operator that her mother was not speaking. She revealed that the girl was hiding in the basement closet while making the call. The prosecutor had the doctor who had seen the victim when she was brought to the hospital testify. He said her injuries were consistent with strangulation.

And the prosecutor had the three children, ages 12, 13 and 14, who were in the home when the assault occurred take the stand. One witnessed the assault. Another saw the victim, her aunt, laying on the floor unconscious. When one of the children asked the defendant what had happened, he responded, "Your mother hit me, so I choked her." It seemed like an open and shut case: Eyewitnesses, medical records, 911 call recording.

The jury found the defendant not guilty despite the evidence and aggressive prosecution.

WATCH, a court monitoring organization, had monitors in the courtroom throughout the trial. The day the defendant took the stand, WATCH had a monitor present. Afterwards he said that though he believed the victim, he had a hard time believing that the defendant was capable of the crime. The defendant looked like a good family man. He talked about taking in the victim's children and caring for them. He talked about how hard he works. And he cried about how badly he felt about "what happened."

I can only speculate as to why the jurors did not believe the defendant was guilty. But more than likely it came down to this: The defendant appeared to fulfill the traditional role of family provider and an all-around good guy who was defending himself after being struck by a woman, an action that contradicts the woman's traditional role of nurturer and care giver.

Even though extensive research repeatedly shows that batterers function normally in social settings and within their work environments, this information is not well-known by the general public or if known, not believed.

Minnesota's felony strangulation law provides one more tool for law enforcement and the justice system to intervene in potentially fatal assaults.

But in addition to training police officers and medical personnel, we need to challenge our own beliefs about who is and who is not a batterer. And we need to educate the public on the power dynamics that exist in domestic abuse.

Anderson is executive director of WATCH.

For more information please visit the "It's Time to Talk Day" website to find event ideas and an event toolkit.

Compiled From:
"It's Time to Talk Day," loveisnotabuse.com,  (last accessed October 26, 2005).

Compiled from:
"Galvanizing Action to Combat Violence Against Women," UN Division for the Advancement of Women, September 2005 (last accessed 26 October 2005)