According to data provided by Eurostat, in 2021, around 32% of women reported that they had been victims of domestic violence from their partner at some point in their lives, with practically one-third of them having been abused at some stage in their lives.
In Romania, the situation is even more alarming, as almost every second woman in the country reported having been subjected to some form of domestic violence during her lifetime, placing our country at the top of the ranking according to this criterion.
Thus, the Institute for Research and Prevention of Crime in Romania, focusing on violence against women and children in particular, defines domestic violence as "the use of physical or emotional coercion against another family member in order to impose power and control over them" or "all conflicts within the family group that result in the mistreatment of a partner or child." According to its conclusions, domestic violence "includes not only physical violence (murder, injury, assault), but also sexual violence (marital rape), psychological (blackmail, denigration, humiliation, ignoring, abandonment, isolation), verbal (insults, threats), and economic (depriving women of vital resources and goods)" (M. N. Turliuc, Adina K. H., Oana D., Domestic Violence. Theories, characteristics, and specific interventions, Alexandru loan Cuza University Press, Iaşi, 2009, p. 11.)
In this regard, we can conclude that domestic violence constitutes intentional violent and aggressive behavior toward a family member, usually committed for the purpose of controlling and dominating that person, causing physical or psychological suffering or material damage.
Starting in 2025, in cases of assault or other violence and bodily harm committed against a family member, it will no longer be possible to withdraw the preliminary complaint, which means that victims of domestic violence will no longer be able to "forgive" the aggressor, in the sense of criminal law.
Family member means: a) ascendants and descendants, brothers and sisters, their children, as well as persons who have become such relatives through adoption, in accordance with the law; b) spouse; c) persons who have established relationships similar to those between spouses or between parents and children, if they live together.
(2) The provisions of criminal law relating to family members, within the limits provided for in paragraph (1)(a), shall also apply, in the case of adoption, to the adopted person or his or her descendants in relation to their natural relatives.
Ten practical tips if you are a victim of domestic violence
1. If there is immediate danger, call 112 and ask for intervention + reporting of the incident.
2. Do not stay alone with the aggressor; go to a safe place (relative/friend/public place/police).
3. Take photos of the marks and damage (with the date/time if possible) and keep the affected objects.
4. Save all digital evidence: messages, calls, recordings, emails, screenshots, exported conversations. Do not delete them even after you have reconciled with the aggressor.
5. Go to the doctor/forensic medical examiner as soon as possible for a consultation and, if necessary, a medical-legal certificate.
6. Request a protection order (evacuation, restraining order/no contact, minimum distance, measures for children).
7. Do not negotiate alone and do not accept "meetings to discuss"; communicate only in writing, briefly, neutrally (especially if there are children).
8. Consult a lawyer before taking any legal action; a criminal complaint cannot be withdrawn.
9. If children are involved, note the impact on them (fear, sleep, school, behavior) and request clear measures in your requests.
10. Make a discreet safety plan: documents/copies, money, keys, packed bag, changed passwords, check location apps.