The Republic of Moldova has taken a decisive step to protect women and girls from digital violence and, for the first time, criminalizes several forms of such abuse, including obsessive pursuit, also known as stalking.

For 22 years, Marina* endured physical and emotional abuse from her husband, until it reached its breaking point. A mother of two, she left the marital home with the children and filed for divorce in the fall of this year. Although she separated from her husband in 2021, the abuse did not stop, but moved online.

She was being watched, followed and filmed without consent by someone at her husband's request. She also began receiving death threats, which is why she did not feel safe anywhere. At the same time, the ex-husband created fake accounts on social media in Marina's name, claiming that she was offering sexual services. Under current legislation, threats received online are treated as misdemeanors, and the perpetrators can only get away with a fine.

Changes, however, are beginning to appear, and Marina looks to the future with hope. Starting with February 14, 2026, several legislative amendments will enter into force, providing stronger protection for women and girls affected by abuse committed through information technologies and/or electronic communications. Obsessive stalking will become a crime, punishable by up to two years in prison, or three years if the perpetrator is a family member. The amendments target stalking and harassment through the use of information technologies, repeated attempts to contact a person by any means, as well as physical or online monitoring of the home or workplace.

Why the new amendments on digital violence are important

In Moldova, more than half of women (65%) over the age of 18 who are active online have experienced some form of digital violence in their lifetime. Until recently, the law did not fully recognize these acts as crimes. The new amendments define digital violence as any act of violence committed through information technologies or electronic means of communication.

The legislative amendments also define "computer data with abusive content" as discriminatory, sexist, threatening, obscene or defamatory material, thus providing a clear legal basis for sanctioning.

These changes are the result of the joint efforts of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, the National Agency for Prevention and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (ANPCV), UN Women, UNFPA, the Council of Europe Office, and civil society organizations.

“For us, ensuring safety in the digital environment means expanding the concept of safety in every sphere of life,” said Viorica Șîmbalari, director of the National Agency for the Prevention and Combating of Violence against Women and Domestic Violence. “Digital violence is a challenge of our times, but also an opportunity to show that justice, empathy and respect can evolve with technology.”

In 2026, the Agency plans to train police officers, criminal investigation officers, prosecutors and judges in handling digital violence cases, so that the new provisions are fully implemented.

Free legal assistance for survivors like Marina

In addition to supporting legislative amendments, UN Women is ensuring that survivors of digital violence can access the necessary legal assistance. As part of a UN Women project funded by the Government of Denmark, the DACIA Center in Soroca provides free legal advice and representation in court to Marina and other women in similar situations.

“This support was like a lifeline,” says Marina. “I was at my wits’ end. I couldn’t believe that someone would help me for free.”

Her lawyer, Tatiana Vicol-Felișcan, draws attention to the fact that psychological and digital violence pose growing threats: "Psychological violence is the most widespread and, at the same time, the least recognized form of abuse. More and more often, it goes hand in hand with online intimidation or blackmail."

Recent legislative changes give her hope, but Tatiana stresses the need for continued training for police officers, prosecutors and judges, as well as the expansion of the use of videoconferencing in hearings, so that women can access justice without being re-traumatized. “They need to feel listened to and protected, not judged,” she says.

Marina's life is still difficult. Just a month ago, her husband attacked her again, causing serious head injuries that prevent her from working. Without free legal assistance, continuing the divorce process would have been impossible.

Tougher penalties for sexual harassment

The amendments also introduce harsher penalties for sexual harassment, including online harassment. Perpetrators face fines of up to 50,000 lei, 120 to 240 hours of unpaid community service, or up to four years in prison, double the previous sentence. If the victim is a minor, the perpetrator faces up to 7 years in prison.

“The adoption of these amendments reflects a firm commitment by the Moldovan authorities to protect the dignity, freedom and safety of women and girls, including in the digital space,” said Dominika Stojanoska, UN Women Moldova Country Representative. “It is essential that these provisions are followed by rigorous implementation and training of those responsible for applying the new legal framework effectively.”

Laws change not only the size of punishments, but also mentalities

Laws are not only tools for punishing perpetrators, but also help change mindsets. Marina hopes that the new legislative changes will encourage more women and girls to report abuse and seek support. “I wish more women knew that digital violence is still violence and that they can get free help. Thanks to the counselling I received, I understood that it’s not me who should be ashamed, but the aggressor. And I really hope that more and more women and girls will understand this.”

*Name has been changed to protect the identity of the survivor of violence.