On August 11, 2020, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Social Protection (MHLSP) of the Republic of Moldova and partners launched the official Violence Against Children and Youth Survey report.

The aim of the Violence Against Children and Youth Survey (VACS) is to measure the prevalence of emotional, physical, and sexual violence against 13-24 year old females and males. In addition, the survey identifies risk and protective factors to inform efforts by stakeholders to reduce violence against children and youth.

The Violence Against Children and Youth Survey (VACS) has been conducted in the framework of the project “The Moldova Youth Health And Well-Being Survey Sanatatea Mea”, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Mission to Moldova, in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the United States, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Social Protection and the implementing agency Imas.

The Violence Against Children and Youth Survey (VACS) can be downloaded here.

Key data deriving from VACS findings

• In Moldova, only 4% of girls + 1% of boys who experienced sexual violence received the services they need.
• In Moldova, 14% of girls + 5% of boys experienced sexual violence prior to age 18.

• In Moldova, 26% of girls + 35% of boys experienced physical violence prior to age 18.

• In Moldova, 24% of girls + 51% of boys experienced sexual violence by a friend prior to age 18.

• In Moldova, girls face particularly high risks of sexual violence, often with devastating consequences.