The Public Association “CASMED” successfully concluded the second annual edition of its awareness campaign against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), held from 25 November to 10 December 2025. This critical initiative effectively mobilised communities across the country’s northern region, focusing on an issue paramount to individual safety and dignity.

The campaign was conducted under the project “Improving Access to Essential Protection Services through Strengthening the Humanitarian Response Role of Local Women’s Organisations in Ukraine and Moldova (WLO).” Funding was generously provided by the Federal Republic of Germany through the Federal Foreign Office, with implementation led by HIAS Europe in partnership with HIAS Moldova and PA “CASMED.”

This year’s edition adopted a hybrid format, expertly integrating online activities with essential, in-person training sessions. It convened a diverse audience, including specialists, community leaders, social workers, active seniors, and citizens eager to deepen their understanding of GBV, PSEA, and effective prevention mechanisms.

CASMED psychologists delivered focused information and training sessions to participants from 11 northern districts. The curriculum covered the various forms of gender-based violence, initial signs of abuse, the specific responsibilities of community stakeholders, and formal PSEA reporting procedures. The attendance of approximately 150 individuals strongly validated the urgent need for such proactive community engagement and reflected a serious commitment to grasping the nuances of the phenomenon.

For the psychological team, these sessions provided a vital opportunity to clarify concepts that were frequently misunderstood or incomplete within local communities. Stela Creciun, a CASMED psychologist, noted the moment of realisation: “People instantly recognise physical violence. However, when we shift the discussion to emotional control, prohibitions, or manipulation, a silence falls over the room. That is when participants begin to recall incidents and compare situations. It is at that point that the first step towards genuine awareness is taken.”

Irina Licimaniuc, a social worker from Mărăndeni village and a training participant, attested that the sessions fundamentally altered her perspective on community dynamics and provided her with operational certainty. “Following this training, I have clarity: if I observe something questionable in the village, I will not hesitate. I now know precisely what indicators to watch for and who to report to. Before, I was uncertain… but now, I am equipped and know exactly what action to take,” Mrs. Irina affirmed.

The campaign’s online presence was robust across the organisation’s Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/casmed.md) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/casmed_ngo/) channels. It featured an extensive array of educational and interactive content designed to clearly articulate the nature, manifestations, and prevention of gender-based violence for a general audience.

Over the 16 days, the team consistently published thematic visuals, straightforward explanations of various forms of violence, practical examples, a compelling “Myth vs. Reality” series, guidance on victims’ rights, and details on reporting structures. Complementing the campaign’s core messages were a series of interviews with CASMED psychologists Stela Creciun, Ana Antipova, and Sandu Solcan, who offered professional insight and clarification.

Crucially, the campaign incorporated participatory elements—including polls, quizzes, public questions, and invitations for dialogue—allowing the public to reflect critically, pose direct questions to specialists, and engage actively. The digital materials garnered over 20,000 views, underscoring significant public interest in reliable and accessible resources for violence prevention.

CASMED’s dedication to preventing GBV and PSEA is not episodic; it is central to its mandate to enhance the well-being and protection of vulnerable persons in Northern Moldova. Working daily with seniors, families, women at risk, refugees, and community workers, the CASMED team directly witnesses the damaging effects of poor information, fear, and isolation. Consequently, empowering communities, educating the public, and establishing transparent mechanisms for recognition and reporting are seen as indispensable interventions.

Through these sustained efforts, “CASMED” NGO reinforces its commitment to fostering safer, more cohesive communities where every individual—irrespective of age, gender, or social standing—is guaranteed access to support, accurate information, and fundamental protection. The organisation pledges to continue developing robust prevention, training, and support programmes, thereby consistently reducing risks and promoting a lasting culture of respect and human dignity.