TABLE OF CONTENTS

ARGUMENT
CHAPTER I. Definitions and theories on domestic violence.........................................p. 3
I.1. Domestic violence - definitions and short history........................................................p. 3
I. 2. Explanatory theories on domestic violence....................................................p. 7
CHAPTER II. Violence against women......................................................................... p. 11
II. 1. Forms of violence against women.................................................................... p. 11
II.2. General and specific causes............................................................................. p. 14
II. 3. The consequences of violence against women.............................................................. p. 18
II.4. Profile of families affected by domestic violence................................................ p. 22
II.5. Violence against pregnant women....................................................................... p. 23
II.6. Myths and realities about domestic violence................................................. p. 25
CHAPTER III. Prevention and combating of domestic violence............................... p. 28
III.1. Prevention and intervention in cases of domestic violence............................ p. 28
III.2. Statistical data................................................................................................. p. 31
III.3. Research in the field of domestic violence................................................... p. 37
III.4. Social protection policies........................................................................... p. 41
CHAPTER IV. Research methodology........................................................ p. 46
IV.1. Research Framework........................................................................................... p. 46
IV.2. Research Objectives.................................................................................... p. 47
IV.3. Research Hypotheses................................................................................... p. 48
IV.4. Techniques used in the research............................................................. p. 48
IV.5. Case studies................................................................................................. p. 53
IV.6. Analysis and interpretation of data.................................................................... p. 90
IV.7. Conclusions of the research................................................................................... p. 91
IV.8. Appendix.......................................................................................................... p. 101
IV.9. Bibliography................................................................................................. p. 106

1
 Argument

Domestic violence is a phenomenon with a negative impact on health, affecting

negative the communities in which it occurs. For this reason, domestic violence is
considered both a matter of community interest, social, and a public health issue
and, in particular, reproductive health.
The transition period in Romania was characterized by an unprecedented amplification of
domestic violence, the number of serious violence offenses being commensurate.
The extent and severity of the phenomenon are given by the large number of calls received and
complaints registered with the police, due to the large number of women victims encountered in the hallways

emergency rooms of hospitals.

In Romanian society, domestic violence has not been distinctly regulated for a long time.
applying the legal provisions that sanction any type of violence, regardless of
the relationship between the author and the victim. This happened because, initially, the violence
domestic violence was considered a personal, family issue. Over time, things changed.
modified, the issue becoming regarded as a serious violation of human rights. Thus
that, in recent years, the efforts made by the government to prevent and control this issue
have intensified.
Society is progressing, but paradoxically, violence takes on new forms, involving women.
from the earliest age to elderly ladies, destroying moral values, traditions
secular and facing a barrier from both society and the judicial bodies.
The purpose of this paper is to reveal the determinants of violence against women.
to analyze the genesis of aggression in human society, its laws, the factors that determine it
the manifestation of violence, and based on this research, to propose solutions with a complex character
to reduce or diminish this phenomenon.

2
 Chapter I - Definitions and Theories on Domestic Violence

I.1. Domestic violence - definitions and brief history

I. Definitions of domestic violence

In a broad sense, domestic violence means the use of force and coercion by an
person, group or social class, in order to impose one's own will upon others
The definition of domestic violence according to the Council of Europe - Committee of Ministers:

Domestic violence represents any act or omission committed within the family by
some of its members, which affects life, physical or psychological integrity or
the freedom of another member of the same family or seriously harms the development of personality
him/he.
According to Law no. 217/2003, "domestic violence represents any physical or verbal action
committed intentionally by a family member against another member of the same family,
causing physical, psychological, sexual suffering or material harm.
Another definition of domestic violence would be:
Domestic violence is a repeated series of coercive behaviors and physical, sexual, and emotional attacks.
the psychological effects that a person manifests towards their partner, with the aim of controlling and dominating them,

using the force and/or inability to defend oneself of the victim, which occurs within a couple relationship.
Include economic and social abuses as well.1
Clinically, Stark and Flitcraft formulated a widely accepted definition:
Domestic violence is a threat or a challenge, occurring in the present or in the past, of a
physical injuries within the relationship between social partners, regardless of their legal status or
domicile. Physical or sexual attack may be accompanied by intimidation or verbal abuse: destruction
the belongings that belong to the victim; isolation from friends, family, or other potential sources of support;
1
Legal Resources Center, Institute for Research and Crime Prevention - Prevention and Intervention
efficiency in domestic violence, Bucharest, 2003, p. 6

3
threats made against other significant persons for the victim, including children; thefts;
control over the victim's money, personal belongings, food, movements, phone and
"other sources of care and protection".
The scope of domestic violence refers to: child abuse; marital violence;
abuse and violence against parents/elderly family members.
II. Brief history
A question that has not yet received a concrete and reasoned answer is 'What are the causes that
What determines the occurrence of domestic violence?” Many have tried to answer this question.
theorists and specialists in the field since the 1970s, when the first studies and research appeared
made in this field. They concluded that in order to establish the causes
A thorough analysis must be conducted on domestic violence regarding:
• dimensions: individual, family, community, cultural, social, economic, and historical;
• variables: genes, psychiatric problems, thinking, influence of mass media, legislation, etc.
In the specialized literature, there are five perspectives that aim to describe the causes
domestic violence2:
I. Biological Perspective
According to this perspective, violence and aggression are determined by traumas or by factors
endocrinology. Following some research, Rosenbaum and colleagues discovered a link between aggression
marital and cranial traumas. This link has been explained by the fact that traumas
cranial injury causes neurological deterioration which in turn leads to a decrease
control over impulses, affects thinking, causes communication difficulties and
the stress level in the family increases.
The biological perspective has been criticized because the discovery of these connections can
absolving the aggressors of responsibility for their actions.
II. Psychopathological Perspective
The starting point of this perspective is Freud's conception of 'masochism'.
feminine”, according to which a woman is described as wanting to be beaten, like a child.
unassisted, dependent, and bad.
Other psychological theories argue that domestic violence is a change in trajectory.
self-destructive behavior from oneself to another person.

Gabriela Irimescu, Social Assistance for Abused Persons, ID course

2

4
 Researchers in the field also propose a psychological assessment of the profile of the violent man.
Thus, following some research, the following conclusion was reached: the bordeline personality
is considered predominant in the category of abusers, compared to the antisocial one.
III. Systemic perspective
This perspective views the family as a system composed of interacting subsystems.
reciprocal. Thus, it is considered that aggression produced in the family is a chain reaction triggered by
a family member.
IV. Social perspective
According to this perspective, domestic violence arises from differences in age, sex,
social media, interests, types of families, etc. Added to these causes is also violence
the society in which the family lives (if society accepts violence, this will lead to
domestic violence.
That the environment in which a person lives is considered a cause of domestic violence, and in
special, the behavior of significant "others". It has been shown that during childhood and
during adolescence, the child observes the behavior of the parents, who are considered the first studies of
behavior. Thus, if a child grows up in an aggressive environment, there is a risk of becoming one.
the very violent in adulthood.
The theory does not stop only at the family environment, but extends even to exposure to violence.
on television. This idea is debatable, there are several theories. Some researchers
consider that there is no obvious connection between watching TV shows and behavior
aggressive. Other researchers believe that exposure to violence through television and video games is
it may not act as a direct causal link to aggression, but it can cause
desensitization. This, along with the violence in society, could be a justification for
use of violence by the individual.
V. Feminist perspective
This perspective asserts that violence directed towards women can be viewed in context of
of the society that is based on the patriarchal form of organization. This society, in which the position
the woman's subordination to the man legitimizes the inequality between the sexes. Thus,
feminists believe that the issue of abuse is a result of the power imbalance in
the framework of relationships between men and women.

Within this perspective, there are two explanatory models of violence against women:

5
1. Theory of the cyclical nature of violence, a theory that identifies three phases that characterize incidents of

domestic violence
a. the period of tension formation;
b. acute violent incident;
c. the period of remorse or even absence of tension.
Power and control wheel
This model identifies violence within the forms of emotional, economic, and.
sexual. There are eight fragments of the wheel of power and control, these being: intimidation, abuse
emotional, isolation, denial and blaming, using children, male privilege, abuse
economic and the use of constraints and threats.

8 1

2
7

3
6

5 4

- Using intimidation (1): it makes her afraid through facial expressions, actions, and attitudes; it destroys her

personal items, breaking things; assaulting pets; displaying weapons.

- Using emotional abuse (2): it defames her; it makes her have a poor opinion of herself; it
curses; makes her believe she is crazy; terrorizes her.

6
 - Using isolation (3): controls what he does, who he meets, and what he talks about; what he reads;
where it goes; it limits external contacts using jealousy to justify its own actions.
- Minimizing, denying, and accusing (4): minimizes the committed abuse and does not take it into account

her fears, she says that no abuse has been committed or attributes the responsibility to her
abusive behavior, claiming that she provoked him.
- Using the children (5): makes her feel guilty about the children; uses the children to
he transmits messages; uses visiting the children to harass her; threatens that he will take the children away from her.

- Using male privileges (6): treats her like a servant; establishes what the roles are.
strict of the woman and the man.
- Using economic abuse (7): it prevents her from finding a job or keeping one;
he decides to ask her for money; he gives her an allowance; he takes her money and prevents her from having information about the money

of the family or to use it.

- Using coercion and threats (8): threatening with the use of violence and/or
uses violence; threatens to leave her, to commit suicide, to affect her material well-being;
forces her to withdraw her complaint; forces her to do illegal things.

I.2. Explanatory theories on domestic violence

There are various classifications regarding the theories that explain domestic violence.
A. Theories on delinquency3
1. Social Learning Theory of Aggression
Bandura sees aggression as being largely controlled by the possibility of reinforcement and
of the punishment. Thus, he proposes the following self-absolving practices accompanied by self-neutralization
conviction for assault:
a. the underestimation of aggression through advantageous comparison: aggressive actions are compared with

much more serious facts;

b. justifying aggression based on much higher principles: makes violence more agreeable for
aggressor from a moral standpoint by declaring the objectives as noble and just;
c. the transfer of responsibility to an authority;

3
Cristian Bocancea, George Neamţu, Elements of Social Assistance, Polirom Publishing House, Iaşi, 1999, p. 162

7
d. the diffusion of responsibility to others involved in aggressive or hostile actions
or which are known to support similar activities;
dehumanization of the victims: they are presented as degenerate beings;
f. blaming the victims: they perceive themselves as being forced into primitive actions by opponents
they are scoundrels and believe themselves to be well-intentioned people;

the incorrect representation of the consequences: they are minimized to avoid self-blame;
gradual desensitization: in which initially non-aggressive individuals can progressively become aggressive.
2. Anomie theory
Anomia can be defined as the state of dysfunction of a social subsystem.
due to the depreciation of social norms. In Durkheim's view, one of the factors of maintenance
social equilibrium is represented by anomie itself, which is a natural factor in the sense that it exists in
all types of companies.
Merton identifies five methods of adapting to a social structure:
a. the conformist: the person accepts cultural goals;
b. the ritualist: the person who has given up valuing cultural goals, but has not stopped to
according to recognized standards;
c. the evader: one who rejects both the goals and the means to achieve them;
d. the rebel or dissenting voice: refuses both the goals and the means, but comes up with alternative ones;
e. the innovator: strongly values cultural goals but rejects the means.
3. The theory of delinquent subcultures
This theory refers to urban-type aggression, of marginalized neighborhoods, in which violence
it is a way of living and surviving.

B. Old theories
4. Theory of intergenerational transmission of violence
This theory supports the idea that each person is receptive to behavior.
"the others" significant, which he registers and internalizes. In childhood and adolescence,
everyone observes the behavior of their parents, which gives us the first images of a relationship and a
a behavior. Observing the aggressive behavior between parents, the intrigues, the
Revenge is considered a cause of partner abuse in adulthood.

8
 It has been found that children who witness violence between parents are at increased risk.
the probability that they will become aggressors and/or victims of aggression. However, not all children exposed to

violence will have this type of behavior and not all abusers have been identified with abuse in
childhood or their exposure to violence.
5. Paradoxical Attachment Theory (Stockholm Syndrome)4
Stockholm syndrome is specific to individuals held in captivity and threatened with
death, but it is also developed by women who are victims of domestic violence who have been terrorized
through physical force and brutality. This syndrome involves the development of a paradoxical attachment.
emotional in a relationship of interdependence between victim and abuser, which arises when someone gives you
threatens life and does not kill you. Thus, the feeling of relief resulting from the withdrawal of the threat
generates feelings of gratitude and fear.
The period required for the formation of Stockholm syndrome is 3-4 days and is determined by
fulfillment of three conditions:
the person who threatens with death is perceived as having the possibility to commit murder;
the victim cannot escape or her life depends on the one who threatens;
the victim is isolated, so her only perspective is that of the perceived aggressor as
showing a degree of kindness towards the aggressor.
6. Lenore Walker's theory of violence5
PHASE I - Step 1 - minor hits; denial of anger helps the victim cope with the situation;
- the victim blames external factors; takes responsibility for the incident; apparent passive acceptance
it triggers violent behavior, and the aggressor loses control.
Step 2 - the aggressor does not want to make their behavior public; fearing that the victim will tell.
something is becoming increasingly aggressive;

the aggressor is holding the victim captive by force

the victim, learned helplessness syndrome appears.

Step 3 - as phase I evolves, the beats become more intense
the victim realizes that phase II will follow and tries to control external factors: without phones,
without noise from the children, but the attempts to cope fail.
Step 4 - the abuser gradually and brutally increases control; the victim becomes increasingly unable to
protects against pain and suffering
4
Monica Naum, Domestic Violence from the Perspective of the European Union, Muntenia Publishing, Constanţa, 2005
The Battered Woman
5

9
the victim becomes more and more closed off, while the aggressor becomes increasingly oppressive
sometimes, the victim triggers phase II to end the tensions, only to 'to
end once.
PHASE II
lack of control; brutal beatings with destructive effects
usually lasts between 2 and 24 hours, sometimes even a week or more and only the aggressor
can put an end to this phase
the risk of crime occurrence;
victims experience an emotional collapse 22 to 48 hours after being beaten; they seek isolation, therefore

the doctor only sees her after she has healed

sexual abuse may also occur
PHASE III
An unusual period of calm, during which the aggressor is extremely affectionate, nice, and tormented.
about remorse. He apologizes and promises it will not happen again. He believes that the victim has learned a
lesson, so he won't have to beat her again; convinces the victim that 'she asked for it', makes her to
she feels guilty for leaving, it makes her feel responsible.
The aggressor promises that they will seek help, only if the victim stays with them. The victim sees
that the aggressor is sincere and loving and begins to believe that this is how they really are, it is what they have

seeking in a partner; she believes that if she helps him, the partner will change.
There is a symbiosis between partners: each is dependent on the other.
During phase III, when love is intense, a soulful bond is born between partners.
This theory could explain why victims stay with their abuser, why they do not report them:
they believe that the aggressors will change, they hope that the father of their children will be different so that the family can

stay united.
These theories only partially cover the range of motives that drive some spouses to be aggressive with
their partners, and in most cases of this kind, the violence is not based on a single reason, but
a series of social, professional, psychological, financial, family, etc. problems.

Chapter II - Violence Against Women

II.1. Forms of violence against women

10
 In the specialized literature, there are several classifications of forms of domestic violence.
A general classification of forms of violence is illustrated by A. Neculau.6:
Private violence
criminal violence
• mortal: murders, assassinations, poisonings, capital executions, etc.

• corporal: voluntary blows and injuries;

• sexual: rapes;
b. non-criminal violence
• suicidal: suicide and suicide attempt;
• accidental (car accidents);
2. Collective violence
a. citizens' violence against power
• terrorism
• gravel and revolutions;
b. the violence of power against citizens
• state terrorism
• industrial violence
c. paroxysmal violence
• the war

According to the opinion of other specialists, there are two types of violence and two categories of aggressors.7:

Expressive violence - which defines those aggressors who tend to 'explode' in situations.
conflictual, lacking the necessary resources to control itself. Such a type of violence is
determine the existing deficits in communication abilities with others and in control

6
Adrian Neculau, Gilles Ferreol-Violence. Psychosocial aspects, Ed. Polirom, 2003, p.5
7 Adrian Neculau, Gilles Ferreol, op.cit.

11
exercising on the situation, whether from the limited repertoire of interpersonal strategies needed for
resolution of the situation.

2. Instrumental violence - which characterizes those aggressors who do not lack

intellectual and social abilities to control themselves and whose acts of violence do not have a character
impulsive. Such a type of violence is rationalized, controlled, and consciously directed against
certain victims.
The most well-known forms of domestic violence are:
1. Physical abuse is defined as "any act or omission committed within the family by
one of its members, which affects life, physical or psychological integrity, or
the freedom of another member of the same family seriously endangers the development of personality
him or the family" (Council of Europe, Recommendation R (85) 4 regarding the issues
domestic violence). This is the most reported form of abuse and can include:
- to hit with palms, with fists, with blunt objects;
- hair pulling, scratching;
- bone fracture;
- arsuri;
- hitting the victim against walls or furniture, throwing objects;
- the use of weapons;
- it can also include the destruction of household goods, furniture, and the killing of animals
domestic, the denial of basic needs (deprivation of sleep and/or nutrition);
- threats to bodily integrity, death threats, etc.
2. Sexual abuse: is defined as "any unwanted sexual contact by the partner. This type of
abuse does not necessarily involve the use of physical force, but can be carried out through intimidation,

threat, harassment, and coercion. Examples of sexual abuse would be: lewd jokes, the partner
she is treated as a sexual object, her sexuality is criticized, extreme jealousy, the partner is
forced to engage in sexual relations with him or with other men, the partner uses weapons or objects
in sexual acts, sadism, mutilation etc.
3. Psychological (emotional) abuse - includes: continuous degradation and humiliation of the partner,

sarcasm, mocking it, threats, contempt, public insults, remarks

humiliating. These behaviors install a feeling of permanent terror, decreases

12
 the partner's self-esteem develops a permanent distrust in oneself and in one's own abilities,
a feeling of helplessness that prevents the victim from leaving the abusive relationship.
Economic abuse is a form of passive psychological violence and can be defined as
the exercise of unfair control over common resources, whether it refers to control
access to the household budget, or to preventing the partner from finding or maintaining a job
job or to continue their education, or even to deny women's rights over
common goods.
5. Social abuse - represents the victim's isolation and their inability to exit the relationship.
abusive. This type of abuse is closely related to economic abuse and includes: verbal abuse in front of
other people, jokes, criticisms regarding a woman's physical appearance, her intelligence, accusations
of infidelity, controlling behaviors (tracking the woman at work, with friends,
verification phones etc.), locking the woman in the house or outside of it etc.
Most cases of violence against women present themselves as a combination of violence.
physical, psychological, and sexual, supported by a violence of social origin and sometimes including
economic violence.
In the vision of the author Simona-Gabriela Sînzianu8the picture of the forms of violence would look like this:

1. Depending on the nature of the facts:

- effective violence
- physical violence: blows, murder, strangulation, etc.
- sexual violence: forced obligation to engage in sexual relations (both with the partner,
as well as with other men), pornographic fantasies, etc.
2. The individual producer of violence:
- symbolic violence - verbal violence: curses, insults, etc.
- emotional violence: refusal of affection, humiliation, criticism, jealousy, rejection;
- psychological violence: intimidation, ridicule, blackmail, threats, possession, isolation, etc.
- economic violence: strict control over the budget, theft, takeover of control
on other sums of money etc.
3. Depending on mental health status:
- violence carried out with discernment: revenge;
- violence committed without discernment: mental illness

Simona-Gabriela Sînzianu - Domestic Violence Presented in the Press of Romania, Lumen Publishing, 2006., p. 17
8

13
 4. Depending on the 'target' of the violence:

- violence against individuals: children, women, men;

- violence against property;
- violence against the nation;
- violence against public life;
- violence against the state.

II.2. General and specific causes of violence against women

Why does domestic violence exist? The reasons are multiple and hard to specify.
each case in part, one thing being certain, that is, in general, domestic violence is a
problem of power, domination and control. In this regard, some authors have attempted to classify
the factors that determine domestic violence as follows:
I. Macrosocial factors
A. Social factors
In many families, there is a tradition that the man is the "head of the family" and he makes decisions.
decides and resolves all issues related to this. This tradition also
add the habit of educating children with the help of beating.

B. Economic factors
In Romanian society, approximately half of families are situated below the minimum threshold of
poverty, which leads to the emergence and amplification of stress. However, despite this data, not
we must forget that domestic violence exists not only in poor families, but, on the contrary,
this manifests almost as often in families with a high level of education and
well-being.

C. Political-Legislative Factors
Family and its living environment are considered a 'taboo' subject that cannot be
"violated" not even by the law enforcement agencies. From a legislative perspective, in the Penal Code of

14
Until the year 2000, there were no clear legal provisions regarding violence in Romania.
domestic. For this reason, complaints of this kind were not recorded, and if there were any, they were
could not be resolved, the cause being the gaps in Romanian legislation.
D. Individual factors
These factors include: personality, behavior, temperament, the education of individuals,
but especially the psychological factors of violence. Under the conditions where there is a personality
unbalanced, the strong aggressively unloads their aggression onto the weak, parents onto
children, youth towards the elderly etc. A main and commonly encountered cause of violence
In domestic settings, jealousy is considered.

II. Microsocial factors9

1. The way a family is formed: the current family is formed in an environment
neomogen, its members no longer share a common cultural origin and, therefore, the different options may
leads to conflicts.
2. Reducing ties with the family of origin: the new family consists only of
parents and children, without having the previous options to stop behaviors
inadequate or intervention and prevention of violent behaviors.
3. The reduction of the functions of the current family: the current family abandons a number of functions.

the traditional family or transfers them to social institutions.

III. Endogenous factors

The factors that favor the occurrence of violence against women target attitudes and
social stereotypes regarding the 'dominant' and 'subordinate' role of women, inequalities
among sexes, in general, the patriarchal organization of the family and society.
Authors Del Martin and Roz M. believe that the general factors that favor violence
intrafamilial are:
1. Conflicts related to the management of the family budget are
among the most common conflicts that arise in a family, between husband and wife. In general, although there are

it records many exceptions, the task of managing the household budget falls to the man. However, still
more conflicts and aggressions are also recorded due to the lack of financial resources

9
Vintileanu I., Roman M., The Woman in Crime, European Union, Phare Program, Democracy, 2000, page.
27

15
sufficient. On the other hand, the woman's financial dependence and her limited access to the labor market,
can contribute to the escalation of conflicts within the family.
2. Alcohol consumption and alcoholism - alcohol is generally viewed as
the main facilitating factor, and not the cause, of domestic violence. Statistical data shows that
Numerous incidents between spouses occur when one or both partners have consumed alcohol.
3. Jealousy is another contributing factor to violence, especially when the man
there is a strong feeling of possessiveness over the woman. Psychological studies have shown that, in
In many cases of jealousy, the man is dominated by a strong feeling of insecurity and
abandon, thus he suspects any gesture or word of his partner, even if, in reality, she
she is extremely loyal.
4. The couple's sexual problems - in many cases, the husband's jealousy and, implicitly,
his violent behavior is due to sexual problems, such as impotence or
the wife's frigidity. If the man has doubts about his virility or about the sexual desire of
he can often suspect her of infidelity, even denying his own paternity over her
children resulting from cohabitation. In reality, the husband's brutality actually determines,
the most cases of sexual incompatibility between partners, so the wife no longer
respond appropriately to his sexual advances, which is why jealousy and violence
this is amplified.
5. Disputes regarding children resulting from cohabitation or with a...
The acts of domestic violence occur even when the husband or partner feels
the existence of children resulting either from cohabitation or from a previous marriage of the wife
of the concubine, as a 'threat' to the personal relationship with her. Domestic violence can
it also appears in situations where partners in a couple do not agree on the methods
the most suitable for the growth and education of children. Usually, men believe that the most
a good way to discipline children is punishment, an appreciation that may conflict with
the partner's opinions, resulting in arguments or conflicts that can escalate into violence.
6. The partner's desire to become economically independent - this desire (which can
searching for a job or educational training) can be interpreted by
partner as an attack on his status as head of the family and on the responsibilities
traditional roles that belong to them. These specific concepts among men who have housewives can
most often determines the abuse of the partner.

16
 There are also other causes of domestic violence that are not classified according to certain
categories10:
a. Jealousy experienced and expressed differently by partners in the sense that men are jealous regarding
the sexual activity of the partners, and women regarding involvement
emotional aspect of them.
Men tend to deny feelings of jealousy, but often express them through anger and
violence, while women admit jealousy, but show signs of depression.
c. Men tend to blame their partners, while women tend to self-blame.
d. The material resources primarily target each individual's expectations regarding the decision-making situation.

the decisions regarding the spending of money.

The emergence of children represents another source of conflict since the decision to have them.
or not descendants and when exactly. Then, issues regarding discipline, education and
Expectations regarding the child's behavior and capabilities can become sources of conflict.
Sexual activity is considered a barometer of the marital relationship because, when
partners no longer feel any sexual satisfaction, they blame each other, to the point that
fights or violence, whether sexual or not, are imminent.
Domestic violence is largely favored by deeply rooted beliefs,
learned or inherited, of the belief that women (because women are in the largest proportion
victims of domestic violence, often together with children) must submit
unconditionally to the man, that 'a woman must be beaten from time to time', from the rigid division in
"strong sex" and "weak sex." These stereotypes are part of the problem, and intervention in
these cases cannot be addressed without taking them into account.

II.3. The consequences of violence against women

The consequences of domestic violence are serious, but especially multiple, affecting
almost all life plans: medical, physical, psychological, professional, economic, social, etc.

Mânzat O., Domestic violence (a stronghold of aggression in the family), in the volume 'Psychology Today'
10

coordinators Bogathy Z, Petroman P., Eurostampa Publishing, Timişoara, 2001, p. 117

17
These consequences do not last only as long as there are physical injuries or other visible wounds, but they go on

much further, into a distant future.

The general consequences of violence against women are:
• Physically, the victims may present: wounds, injuries, fractures, hearing problems, issues
gynecological, broken teeth, vaginismus, amenorrhea, eating disorders, palpitations
• At the psychological level:

Immediate reactions: shock, denial, confusion, emotional flatness, fear;

Reactions over time: chronic fatigue, irritability, sleep disturbances (nightmares) and eating issues.
difficulties in decision-making or future planning, extreme passivity, feeling of
lack of assistance, the inability to find alternatives to the situation they are in;
- Cumulative reactions: exaggerated sense of danger, personal neglect (of hygiene, of
nutrition etc), depression, low self-esteem, the occurrence or increase in alcohol consumption,
tobacco, drugs; suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts.
Although the effects of domestic violence are varied, it is considered that the most serious
long-lasting consequences are the psychological effects. Thus, the following will be presented
the main psychological disorders and their defining signs11:
Depression is a disorder of the emotional sphere that affects the body, thinking, and mood.
and behavior. It can be:
- reactive type, as a psychological response to traumatic events or stressful situations
which exceed the individual's adjustment resources;
with a genetic substrate, against the backdrop of the action of aversive factors

Defining signs:
• depressive disposition, sadness, feeling of inner emptiness;
• feelings of helplessness, self-deprecation, guilt;
• lack of hope for the future, pessimism;
• decreased interest and pleasure in previously enjoyable activities;
• chronic fatigue, apathy;
• irritability, state of agitation and restlessness, anxiety;
• memory disturbances, difficulties in concentrating attention and making decisions;

Monica Naum, op.cit., p. 63

11

18
 • sleep disorders (restless sleep, difficult falling asleep, prolonged sleep, nightmares);

• loss of appetite (anorexia), weight loss or excessive consumption

feeding (bulimia);
• disturbing or repetitive thoughts of death, ideas or attempts of suicide.
2. Anxiety disorders, which include phobic disorders, generalized disorder
anxiety, panic disorders etc.
3. Post-traumatic stress 12, care, initially, was studied on the survivors of the wars, but,
Later, it was also frequently identified in victims exposed to violence.
domestic.
Post-traumatic stress is the result of exposure to an extreme traumatic stressor and involves
the threat of death or the death of a loved one, serious injury or threat
own bodily integrity. These threats generate multiple feelings such as
intense fear, helplessness, or horror. The identifying signs are:
• repetitive and annoying memories of the event;
• repetitive nightmares, having as theme the traumatic dream, waking up in a state of
fear and fright;
• internal disturbances when exposed to stimuli or events similar to the one experienced;
• difficulty falling asleep or waking up;
• hypervigilance, exaggerated startle responses, irritability;

• avoiding stimuli associated with trauma, paralysis of reaction;

• the inability to evoke certain aspects of the trauma;

• feeling of detachment and estrangement from others.
4. Self-esteem is the level at which a person likes, accepts, and respects themselves.
the person as a whole. Signs of identifying a person with self-esteem
low
- diminishes one's own talents;
feels powerless;
he is easily influenced;
express a limited range of emotions;

Ana Muntean, Domestic Violence and Child Abuse, Eurostampa Publishing, Timiș oara 2000, p. 284
12

19
 Avoid situations that can cause anxiety;
he blames others for his failures;
dissatisfaction
loneliness / tendency towards isolation
irritability and depression.

5. Traumatic attachment
As a result of isolation and increased dependence, victims increasingly adhere to the only
the relationship they have: that with the abuser. Under the impact of this 'traumatic attachment', their own
the interests of women, their needs and opinions come to be influenced and controlled by the aggressor.
The victim's submission can be so strong that their desires can be annihilated. Only
(the threat of) violence against children will induce in the woman a desire to fight. Anyway, if
the abuse continues for a longer period, most women will no longer be able to protect themselves for
For a long time, the children. Completely demoralized, they will give up, and some may have suicide attempts.
The consequences of violence do not stop at immediate physical injuries, but have repercussions for a lifetime.

on all plans. According to the report prepared for the Council of Europe by Prof. Dr. Carol
Hagemann-White women who have been victims of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse have
need psychiatric care 4-5 times more than others. They commit five times more
multiple suicide attempts.

II.4. Profile of the family affected by violence

20
 Domestic violence can be found in any family, regardless of the level of education.
of standard of living, social status, age, financial situation, etc. Thus, families in
Domestic violence manifests itself without a well-defined profile, but there are certain characteristics.
common.
Author Ana Muntean13identify 'the portraits of the perpetrators and victims of domestic violence':
The aggressors
In 75% of cases, they were abused in childhood;
there are people who are insecure about themselves, unstable, and unable to identify their feelings;
blames those around for their failures;
they are jealous, possessive in their relationship with partners whom they frequently change;

they want to dominate conversations and tend to be ironic and critical;

they are traditionalists in their views on the relationship between men and women;
generally, a negative attitude towards women;
I use sex as an act of submission to my partner.
they are dissatisfied with their workplace;
consumes alcohol and other substances;
he has a particular attraction to weapons;
they are firmly convinced that power and control are obtained through violence.

2. Victim woman:
low self-esteem;
feelings of isolation and helplessness;
the appearance of increased stress and fear towards the aggressor;

decrease/loss of the sense of control;

neglect of self
the emergence of psychosomatic illnesses;
the emergence/increase in the consumption of alcohol or other substances;

the displacement behavior of anger towards children may occur, becoming violent with them;
suicidal tendencies.

3. Child victim:

Ana Muntean
13

21
- physical problems: unexplained illnesses, are victims of domestic accidents, have a growth
I am slower;
emotional and mental problems: anxiety, fear of abandonment;
psychological problems: depression, lack of self-confidence, the tendency to observe the lives of colleagues more

happy;
- behavioral problems: aggression or passivity in response to the aggression of those around, issues
with sleep, the tendency to self-harm, defensive behaviors such as lying and fleeing from
home;
- school problems: instability, inability to concentrate, sudden changes in
school performances, social inhibitions;
- other problems: alcohol consumption, drugs; early sexual relations; pregnancies at a young age;
suicidal tendencies;
identification with negative heroes.

II.5. Violence against pregnant women

Violence against women is a global problem, linked to the power of men, as

privilege and control, accentuated by ignorance, by the absence of appropriate laws and efforts
adequate from the public authorities for strengthening existing laws. Violence against
women denote "all aggressive acts directed against women, causing or possibly
causing harm or physical, sexual or psychological suffering, including threats of
similar acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty.14
For many women, violence may start or increase in frequency and severity in
pregnancy period15violence that can increase the risk of maternal-fetal complications. It was
demonstrate that partner violence against pregnant women affects one in four
women from the USA and numerous other complications have been associated in the case of victims of violence

conjugal. Studies conducted have found that more children are being born with disorders as a result

14
Platform for Action from Beijing, 1995

15
Campbell, J. C., Abuse during pregnancy: A quintessential threat to maternal and child health - so when do we
start to act?, Canadian Medical Association Journal, 2001

22
the aggression towards the mother during pregnancy, than as a result of all the diseases and sufferings for
Currently, pregnant women are being vaccinated.
Although there are no concrete statistical data, it is estimated that, out of the total cases of violence

intrafamilial, 15-20% 16women have been abused, in various forms, during the period
of pregnancy. These data are all the more serious given that they may not only be true, but are
It is possible that the number of cases is much higher than forecasted.
"Violence against pregnant women affects the child, either directly or through..."
indirect injuries during strikes. Development of the fetus's brain and nervous system
they are 'shaken' by the mother's adrenaline. Such energy negatively affects the brain
of the child at the time of forming crucial nerve connections. Also, the rate of abortions
As a result of the violence inflicted on pregnant women, it ranges between 25% and 53%.17
Women who were victims of domestic abuse in the year preceding and/or during
tasks had a 40-60% higher risk of developing hypertension, vaginal bleeding,
severe hyperemesis gravidarum, urinary tract infections, as well as hospitalization during pregnancy.
They also have a 37% higher risk of giving birth prematurely and a 17% risk of
subponderability. Both situations involve a significant risk for newborns, these
requiring 30% more frequent intensive care at birth.
Premature birth is a major public health issue, being associated with
perinatal mortality, neonatal morbidity and disability. In the last 15 years, it has been found that a
increase in the incidence of premature births, especially before 28 weeks of pregnancy.
In the U.S., researchers analyzed data from over 118,000 women with live newborns.
the period 2002-2003 from the 'Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System', which belongs to
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
It appears that stress has a negative impact on the reproductive endocrine system, leading to
poor results during pregnancy. It has been shown that depression resulting from abuse negatively affects
fetal development. Additionally, sexual abuse associated with physical violence can lead to both
the increased risk of bleeding, as well as urinary tract infections. In addition, sexually transmitted infections

National Victim Center and Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center’s 1994 Report
16

Mc. Farlane, Judith, Violence during pregnancy: health consequences for mother and child, in 'Dating
17

Violence, 1991, pages 136-138

23
sexual abuses are significantly more frequent among women who have been abused by their partners, and
these infections further affect pregnancy and fetal development18.
A serious consequence of violence against pregnant women is infant mortality.
In Romania, the level of early infant mortality is similar to that recorded in countries.
on the other hand, neonatal and post-neonatal infant mortality registers values
I am raised.
In the year 2003, the infant mortality rate in Romania was 16.1 per 1000 live births.
comparison with the year 2002, when infant mortality was 17.3%. The highest values
The incidents were reported in the counties of Vaslui (24 per thousand), Constanţa (23.8 per thousand) and Ialomiţa (23.4)

the lowest were recorded in Cluj County (8.2 per thousand), the municipality
Bucharest (10.0 per thousand), Ilfov (10.2 per thousand) and Olt (10.4 per thousand)19.

Violence during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, to the birth of a stillborn child,
premature birth, fetal injuries, low birth weight, etc. These violences have
consequences not only for the woman and the child, but also for the family in general, on
of the community and, last but not least, on society.

II.6. Myths and realities about domestic violence

In the 19th century, British law stated that a man could discipline his wife with a
an instrument should not be thicker than the thumb of the hand. Even if these laws do not
there are still many social beliefs that approve of violence as a method of control and discipline
of women.
I will now present the explanatory presentations.20but domestic violence, these being
necessary because they are misunderstood or misused by the majority of the population from
Romania.

18
www.gineco.ro
19
according to the data reported by the National Bureau of Statistics and the Ministry of Health
Ana Muntean, op.cit, p. 30
20

24
Domestic violence is characteristic of poor families or those with a low social status.
Reality: Domestic violence can occur in all families, regardless of social status.
economic. Mitul has appeared because there is a higher probability that it will be in the attention of the agencies

specialized to admit individuals from low-income families. Those families with resources
sometimes, conceal violence better.
The consumption of alcohol and drugs causes domestic violence.
Reality: There is no argument and no evidence that states alcohol is a cause.
direct link to domestic violence. There is evidence supporting the coexistence of alcohol consumption and

domestic violence and facilitation of acts of violence.

Violent men cannot control their violence.
Reality: Violent men often believe this. This belief allows the aggressor
the denial of responsibility for the acts committed. The majority of those who abuse their wives
controls his violent behavior towards other people, such as friends or colleagues, where
there is no need for domination and control.
Violent men are mentally ill or have psychopathic personalities.
Reality: Clinical studies on men who abuse their partners do not support this
assertion. Most aggressive men do not exhibit psychological suffering nor do they have personalities
psychopaths. Many aggressors present themselves as ordinary, respectable people, capable of
controls. It comes from all social and occupational classes, and violence manifests itself against
partners and their children.
His father was a violent man, he beat his wife and he learned this model at home.
behavior.
Reality: In 18% of cases of violent partners, they did not have a childhood with
domestic violence, there were no models of violent relationships between husband and wife.
Some women deserve to be abused; they provoke the abuse.
Reality: There are no justifications for domestic violence. Too rarely is violence
the climax of a dispute and most of the time women do not receive signals
preventing the attack. Many abused women do everything possible to avoid episodes
violent. In abusive relationships, there is the perception that the man has the right to dominate and control.
partners. Victims of domestic violence risk being abused by partners, regardless of
their actions.

25
Women enjoy being abused.
Reality: This myth has arisen based on the observation that many women stay with their partner, despite
abuse suffered. There are many reasons why women do not leave their partner.. Research
I prove that, for a woman, leaving a partner is an extremely dangerous moment and that
many women are afraid to leave (five out of seven women killed by a partner were separated or in
separation course).
There are other myths about violence that do not provide direct explanations, but are part of
the community's attempts to understand this behavior:
• the beating is without consequences, it is a momentary phenomenon caused by the loss of control;

• this is a part of the love between the two;

• the church will change him and he will no longer beat his partner;

• even though he beats his partner, he is a good father to the children and therefore must stay
together to raise the children;
• if they stay together long enough, things will change for the better and he will no longer
partner's bat;
• the aggressor loves his partner, even if he hits her;
• only a small number of women are victims of domestic violence;
• A woman can leave her partner only if she really wants to.
• victims of domestic violence exaggerate the dimensions of the abuse.

Chapter III - Prevention and Combating of Domestic Violence

26
 III.1. Prevention and intervention in cases of domestic violence

Many theorists and specialists in the field have proposed and applied prevention strategies and
intervention in cases of domestic violence. However, their conclusion was unanimous:
to reduce the number of cases and to mitigate the negative effects it has
domestic violence against its members must be addressed at all affected levels
of this issue, namely: individual, family, community, social and institutional

Preventive services can be classified as follows:

1. Primary prevention refers to the actions, programs, campaigns aimed at certain populations.
I am larger (country, county, city), in order to raise awareness and reduce tolerance to violence.
Improving living conditions and working conditions generally contributes to
reducing family crisis situations, situations that create abuse situations, as well as
preventing abandonment and institutionalization.
The specific measures that contribute to the protection of mother and child are:
• education for the development of parenting, mother-child emotional relationships from the very beginning

the prenatal period, within family planning centers, health centers, NGOs -
bodies that deal with the education of adolescents and parents;
• home help - pediatric assistance;
• improving the quality of care provided to children in placement centers, other
medical-social care units, hospitals/pediatrics departments;
• the improvement of the quality of services provided in nurseries and by foster parents, training
their suitability before taking the child into placement;
• the development and establishment of facilities for pregnant women and young mothers
isolate or in difficulty;
• education programs for high-risk pregnant women to prevent and/or alleviate
dysharmonious mother-child interactions.

27
2. Secondary prevention targets groups at high risk of developing a certain condition.
behavior or groups at risk of victimization. This requires the implementation of interventions
efficient, as much as possible, even before the recurrence of the abuse situation arises.
Secondary prevention also includes a number of successful initiatives that are currently being implemented.
progressive practice under the impetus of NGOs and Child Protection Departments: services of
telephone support, meeting and information places for parents, reception centers for mothers
mistreated etc.
3. Tertiary prevention refers to actions taken towards groups already affected by violence.
domestic. This involves preventing relapses, limiting the appearance of sequelae, security
victims, the recovery or treatment of effects and consequences.
As for the intervention, it must be carried out on all levels and must
includes all persons involved in aggressive acts, including: wife, husband, children, family
expanded, relatives etc. In order to intervene effectively, the involvement of professionals is necessary
in order to solve problems and competently support families21
Whitman, an American psychotherapist specialized in interventions with victims and perpetrators,

present the basic principles in intervention22:

a. We should not cause additional pain to the person who is seeking our support. Women who are victims who
they often encounter challenges when seeking medical or social protection services from those called to assist them

in support, a critical attitude, of judgment and blame, of refusal to see the real situation in which it is
find out; this attitude, regardless of the action being carried out and which can be beneficial, is
painful for the female victim.
b. Let's find intervention strategies that empower the victim and induce change.
positive social aspects in her life, seen in the long term, but in line with meeting her needs
immediate. If our interventions are limited to being a response to her immediate needs,
means that we will only provide her with protection, and not her rehabilitation. Protection is an intervention that

it keeps the person in a state of dependence on the one who protects them, a state of immaturity
which does not create the conditions for finding a solution and for an independent and satisfying life.
c. In any way you intervene, your intervention as a professional must be carried out together with
victim and not for her. She, the victim, is the one who must regain the power to endorse herself.

Kari Killen
21

Whitman, M., Challenging the Darkness: Child Sexual Abuse & the Church, Discovery Counseling Resources
22

Bellingham, Washington, 1994

28
life, to decide for oneself. By focusing the specialist's effort with that of the victim, this
will rebuild self-respect, having evidence of their own ability. So do not decide for
Yes, respect her decisions and, if necessary, offer your support so that she can decide.
d. To evaluate the success of your intervention, it is necessary to know to what extent your intervention
it removed her from isolation, made her more confident and safer. At this point of the evaluation,
and the duty to work for a better understanding of the phenomenon of domestic violence in
community, for the ultimate goal is not the shelters for women and the prisons for men, but
the development of a free community that provides security to its members.
There are several intervention models, which refer to different social levels.
targets and involves23:
1. The model of awareness campaigns at the community and political level, which influences the context.
socio-cultural of the interventions. The objectives of such campaigns are24:
community awareness;
the multiplication of charitable services;
creating and operating support social networks;
encouragement of volunteering;
- legislative initiatives;
the emergence of community projects.
2. The model of social intervention in networks: it aims to initiate and operate social networks from
the roles of those involved in abusive situations. The networks are made up of the professionals involved in
intervention, but also from individuals outside the service system (family members or
volunteers)
3. Casework model
The intervention begins with understanding the traumatic situation she was subjected to.
the person, by adjusting the professional's behavior to the traumatic relationship and not in
the final line, through understanding the compensatory behaviors developed by the person.
The stages of the case study are:
A. Reporting/Taking over the case
B. Investigation/Initial Evaluation

Kari Killen, cited work.

23

Ionescu Ş (coord.), The Maltreated Child. Assessment, Prevention, Intervention, International Foundation Publishing
24

Child and Family, Bucharest, 2001

29
 C. Family assessment
D. The intervention

E. Evaluation of the intervention

In reality, both situations are much more complex and both the detailed knowledge of what
means domestic violence, as well as the awareness of all forms of manifestation, are a
the first steps towards solving these problems, which are far from being just a family issue,
of the couple, the victims or the aggressors, is a social phenomenon.

III.2. Statistical data

Violence has taken on terrifying proportions, and domestic violence is a

a problem that is increasingly expanding. There are programs aimed at supporting victims, but
still insufficient at the local level. The lack of a real strategy at the local and national level is reflected
still very clear in the mentality that beating is an accepted and recommended way of
discipline and enforcement of authority.
International statistical data25regarding domestic violence shows that:
- the highest number of women seek help between the 5th and the 10th year of
marriage
- Usually, it is the neighbors who call the police when there are violent incidents or arguments.

become a worrying cause for their safety;

- about 60% of women say that the violence they are subjected to lasts longer than
more than 3 years
- The arrest of the aggressor is only made in one of the following situations: there exists
domestic violence incidents, the aggressor is in a state of intoxication, the neighbors are making a

complaint
- about 20% of assaulted women state that the first attacks came from
partner during pregnancy;

Ioaneta Vintileanu, Mariana Roman, The Woman in Crime, European Union, PHARE program
25

Democracy, 2000, p. 93

30
 - the most common injuries are: cuts, scratches, swelling of the eyes,
broken arms, nose, skull fractures;
- in over half of cases of domestic violence, the man assaults the
children along with their mother and, in addition, the children are struck by the aggressor in

attempts to defend their assaulted mother;

- nearly 25% of women who were victims of homicide were
in the divorce stage or trying to leave their spouses;
- the consequences of domestic violence on children show that boys who witness in
childhood experiences of maternal aggression make them much more likely to be aggressive in adulthood

than the others;

- approximately 60% of domestic violence victims want the presence of a
female officer in solving the case, but most believe she is more suitable
the presence of two male officers.

In Romania, the number of women victims of domestic violence has increased fivefold since
1996 to 1998. In 1998:
-13% of women victims of domestic violence have died.
-74% of women victims of domestic violence were assaulted by their husbands.
-4% by partners
-7% from the former spouses
-15% from other relatives.26
The documentary 'The Dynamics of Domestic Violence in 2002' aimed to explore the causes
main factors that determine domestic violence, classified according to the following criteria: perpetrators

their perpetrators, frequent victims, and the areas where it is predominantly committed. From the total of
26,890 crimes, in 2,115 cases the perpetrators and victims were spouses or close relatives, this
representing 7.86%. The situation can be summarized as follows:

From which
No. The offense Total general members of AI %
Cr. committed offenses family
1. Murder 540 182 33.7%

Statistics provided by the Pilot Centre for Women Victims of Domestic Violence, Bucharest
26

31
 2. Attempted murder 431 77 17.86%
3. Causing love of 133 37 27.81%
death
4. feticide 40 40 100%
5. Bodily injury 7309 525 7.18%
6. Bodily injury 1187 72 6.06%
serious
7. Act sexual with a minor 288 2 0.69%
8. Violet 1100 43 3.9%
9. Sexual perversion 141 5 3.54%
10. Sexual corruption 136 6 4.41%
Incest 43 43 100%
12. Robbery 3615 4 0.11%
13. Abandon of the family 11577 1029 8.88%
14. Applied treatment releases 77 44 57.14%
minor
15. Putting in jeopardy of 273 6 2.19%
a person's in
inability to defend oneself
GENERAL TOTAL 26890 2113 7.86%

Many similar offenses have been committed in the area of Bucharest (268) and
the following counties:
- Hunedoara 380;
- Bistriț a-Năsăud 336;
- Bacău 300;
- Brăila 192;
- Dolj 87;
- Bihor 75;
- Mehedinţi 68;
- Mureș 51.
In the 2115 intrafamily offenses, 2182 people were victims, namely:
- minori: 852 (39.04%), din care: cu vârsta între 0-14 ani- 570, iar cu vârsta
between 14-17 years old - 282;

- majori: 1330 (60.95%), din care: femei- 943 şi bărbaţi- 387.

The 2182 people were victims of the following crimes:

32
No. Victim Major victim Total
Crt The offense minors victim
.
Total From which Total From which
0-14 Women
ani ani
1 Omor 25 19 6 173 109 64 198
2 Attempt of 3 2 1 79 29 50 82
murder
3 Hits 2 1 1 37 19 18 39
causative of
death
4 Infanticide 44 44 0 0 0 0 44
5 Injury 40 14 26 340 235 105 380
corporal
6 Injury 4 2 2 75 52 23 79
serious corporal
7 Act sexual with 2 2 0 1 1 0 3
a minor
8 Violet 28 14 14 19 19 0 47
9 Perversion 5 0 5 0 0 0 5
sexual
10 Corruption 6 2 4 0 0 0 6
sexual
11 Incest 40 22 18 13 13 0 53
12 Robbery 0 0 0 4 3 1 4
13 Abandon of 589 401 188 587 461 126 1176
family
14 Release treatments 55 39 16 1 1 0 56
apply
the minor
15 Setting in 9 8 1 1 1 0 10
the primacy of a
people in
inability to

33
 to defend oneself

Total general 852 570 282 1330 943 387 2182

In 2003, approximately eight hundred thousand women were frequently victims of

domestic violence in various forms. 14.3% of the entire adult population of the country, respectively
17.8% of women have been, throughout their lives, victims of some type of violence.
family. Contrary to this data, 4 out of 10 Romanians believe that acts of violence in the family cannot
these are very serious facts.27
The Association for the Promotion of Women in Romania - APFR Timiș oara through the Center for

Counseling, Social Assistance, and Crisis Intervention provided free services for 561
cases of domestic violence during the year 2004. The services provided were: counseling
telephone, legal advice and free representation in court, psychological counseling,
individual and group psychotherapy, social assistance, job placement and
shelter in collaboration with the Caritas Federation of the Diocese of Timiș oara.

The crisis hotline, 'Blue Phone', has taken over 465 during this period.
calls, of which 301 benefited from counseling and psychological support, 162 of them being
mistakes and 2 silent calls. Throughout the year 2004, they benefited from direct services of
support (legal advice, psychological counseling, psychotherapy, and social assistance) 260 of
cases of domestic violence.
In over 99% of cases, the victims are women, the majority coming from the environment.
urban (75.57%) and are of Orthodox religion (80%). In over 70% of situations they are involved as well
children, the relationship between the victim and the aggressor, in most cases, is marriage (57.47%), and
abuse takes place at the partners' home (87.78%). The main institutions called upon in these
the situations are the Police and the Institute of Legal Medicine. It is noteworthy that, in most
in many cases, the legal procedure followed by the victim is divorce (60.24%), on a
the second place is occupied by eviction (21.69%) and criminal complaint (22.89%).28

In 2005, there were 10 parents victims of bodily injuries and harm.

serious offenses, committed by their children, facing 13, in the year 2004 (the number being in decline with

27
National Research on Domestic and Workplace Violence, conducted by the Partnership Center for
Equality in the year 2003
28
www.socialassistant.ro

34
23.1%). Similarly, in 2005, there were 54 victims of murder, compared to 59 in
the year 2004 (down by 8.5%).
Regarding husband victims, in 2005 there were 29 such victims of
bodily injuries and serious bodily injuries, compared to 40 in 2004 (decreasing by
27.5%). In 2005, there were 11 victims of fatal blows caused by spouses.
remaining constant compared to the year 2004.

On a global scale, domestic violence is much more common than street violence.
at the workplace. Thus, domestic violence accounts for 25% of the total violent crimes,
of which only 5% of violent attacks against women are reported to the police and less than
1% are punished.
International statistical data shows that:
over 90% of the aggressors are men;
82% of abusers are known to the victim, and 19% are even relatives;
85% of rapists are men, known to the victims;
61% of rapes are committed in someone's home, usually the victim's.
1 in 7 women are raped by their husbands.
In France, one of the leading European countries, a woman dies every three days from
the cause of domestic violence. This statistic excludes the percentage of uncounted women remaining
aggressed by spouses who do not die from the beatings.
A study conducted by the World Bank shows that 20% of the total diseases from which people suffer

women and girls between the ages of 15 and 44 from many countries around the world is due to
domestic violence.
Although studies have been conducted in certain states regarding the overall cost of domestic violence
for society, there is little in-depth research on this topic at the European level or
national. According to the recently completed balance, it is estimated that the total annual cost of
violence against women in the member states of the Council of Europe could reach 34
of billions of euros29.

III.3. Research in the field of domestic violence

www.coe.ro
29

35
 In the around 1970s, the first international research appeared in the field
domestic violence conducted on small samples. These studies have been challenged because they
foster considerate aberrant and extremely rare. The following studies focused on determining
incidence and prevalence within the population, and later, they focused on development
explanatory theories.
Currently, research in this field is focused on more precise objectives.
contour, such as identifying viable solutions for the removal/reduction of this
phenomenon and even the development of intervention models to reduce negative effects
devastating effects of domestic violence.
The first research on domestic violence was conducted in the municipality
Constanț a30, having the following objectives:
the knowledge of the opinions of the respondents regarding the existence of physical violence,
psychological, sexual, economic and social in the family environment;
b. identifying some factors that contribute to domestic violence.
The conclusions of this research are:
The study conducted on 54 adult individuals revealed the existence of violence and aggression in
family environment (66.6% of individuals answered affirmatively to the question 'Do you know personally
a woman who has been hit by her husband or partner?
Risk factors that favor domestic violence have been identified, among which is the standard of living.
low (29.62%)
etc.
There was a higher frequency of violence in the family environment (66.6% considered that
the phenomenon of domestic violence is frequently encountered in Romania
The intervention methods proposed by the respondents are: strict laws (32.25%), increase
standard of living (19.35%), increase in education level (16.12%), strong media coverage
(12.9%), the establishment of centers and shelters for victims (9.67%);
In 1996, the author Ana Muntean31conducted research on the topic 'The Level of'
awareness of domestic violence at the community level.” The objectives of this study were

Monica Naum, op.cit.

30
31
Ana Muntean, Families and Children in Distress, Mirton Publishing House Timiș oara, 2001, p. 41

36
investigation of public opinion regarding the understanding of the complexity of the phenomenon and the attitude towards

the phenomenon of domestic violence. The conclusions are:

- affirmative responses were observed at a rate of 34% to the question regarding the presence of some
violent behavior between parents;
66% of the population is aware of the phenomenon of domestic violence

20% of the subjects confirm knowledge of situations in which pregnant women have been beaten by
partners;
- 50% of the total subjects believed that domestic violence is increasing, 20%
he believes something should be done;
The identified causes by the subjects are: low living standards, women's tolerance towards
violence, lack of culture, the tradition that favors the position of men, the presence of children in
family, the material dependence of the wife on the husband, alcohol.

In addition to these conclusions, the author also notes other concerning aspects:
the students' answers according to which women are excluded from the concept of 'human'
("The woman must be a helper for man").
the lack of interest of the population in the subject of domestic violence
Another, more recent study was conducted between April 12-23, 2003 by
The Gallup Organization Romania32at the requestWIN BALKANS, one of the first research studies on
the theme of violence against women carried out in Bucharest. The results of the survey were
presented and commented on by Romanian and foreign specialists at the conference held by WIN
BALKANS from May 26-27, in Bucharest, on the topic "Initiatives to combat violence
against women.
The conclusions of this research regarding violence against women were:
- In general, only 8% of respondents who are married or have a steady partner
appreciate the way they get along with their husband/partner as being "not very good" or
"not good at all", while 19% state that they get along excellently with their partner and 38%
they appreciate their relationship as 'very good';
- In 18% of couples, problems occur 'often' or even 'very often'; people who are
married for more than 20 years tend to affirm that problems often arise, while
people involved in younger relationships say that problems arise rarely or not at all;

32
www.gallup.ro

37
 - the lack of money is mentioned as the main source of problems by almost
two thirds of those women who admitted to having problems in their relationships; others
sources of problems in a relationship are children's behavior (13%), consumption of
alcohol (8%), neglecting the family (7%), parental intervention in the couple's life (8%) and
infidelity / jealousy (6%);
- certain behaviors such as the economic control of women within the family and
verbal/emotional abuses tend to be considered domestic violence against
by a lower percentage of women (over 66%) than physical abuses or
sexual, which is considered the most serious form of domestic violence (over
90%);
- half of the women in Bucharest have experienced verbal or emotional abuse in
the family framework at a certain moment in their lives, and a quarter were victims of some
such abuses more than once in the last 12 months;
- 21% of women have been victims of physical abuse and 8% victims of abuse.
sexual abuse within the family at least once in their lives;
- 6% of women in Bucharest have suffered physical abuse and 3% sexual abuse.
many times in the last year;
- 8% of women who have been physically abused multiple times in the last 12 months have studies
superior, and 6% of women who have been sexually abused more than once in the last year come from

from families included in the upper income category

Also in 2003 (October-December), Simona-Gabriela Sînzianu conducted an analysis of
press, which aims as its main goal to highlight the causes and conditions that have led to
family aggressions, the main characteristics of the involved social actors, as well as
the way they are presented in the written press. A number of 134 were analyzed
press materials, published in the period 2002-2003, in the pages of the newspapers "Libertatea" and

"Iaşi Newspaper", specializing in the media coverage of domestic violence cases in Romania.
The conclusions of this research were:
- 40% of the total number of cases characterize the aggressions that occur between spouses or
concubines, while the remaining 60% are specific to different categories of relatives;

- 61% of all conflicts occurred in rural areas;

- conflicts between cohabitants are more common in urban areas (52.3%);

38
 - the means of violence most frequently used by aggressors are the maltreatment of one's own
stab wounds (32.5%), stabbing (27%), blows with hard objects (12%);
- over 52% of domestic violence cases resulted in the victim's death (in
the analyzed batch ensemble;
- the most common reasons for the occurrence of aggressive acts are: frequent conflicts
and spontaneous (28%), alcohol consumption (19.8%), revenge (14%).
Regarding the presentation of articles in the written press, the conclusion was that
the approach to the phenomenon of domestic violence does not respect ethical norms and
deontological and do not help at all in reducing and/or preventing this phenomenon, perhaps even
it amplifies.
All this research in the field of domestic violence does nothing but draw a
warning signal regarding the size and complexity of the phenomenon, of opinion
distorted in relation to this phenomenon and, not least, the necessity of intervention.

III.4. Social protection policies

Since 1990, Romania has faced a profound change in perspective regarding

the orientation of strategies and policies for family protection. In Romanian legislation, the family
is protected by law. The establishment of a family, according to Article 44 of the Constitution of Romania, has

based on the free consent of the spouses, on their equality and on the right and
the duties of parents to provide for the upbringing and education of their children.

The placement of domestic violence on the public agenda has resulted in significant achievements.
legislative such as the introduction of increased penalties in the Penal Code, provided in particular,
for the assaults committed within the family, as well as the adoption of Law 217/2003 for
the prevention and combating of domestic violence. Another consequence of transferring the issue.
The establishment of shelters is a response to domestic violence from the private sphere to the public sphere.

for its victims, as well as the implementation of communication programs and campaigns
published, which have come to support the information and education of the population.

The legal framework for domestic violence in our country is composed of 2 categories of
regulations

39
- The first category includes the provisions contained in the Penal Code, which criminalize
acts committed with violence, regardless of their origin (extra/intra-familial), and which
ensures the sanctioning of the most numerous manifestations of domestic violence; we have in
to see provisions that incriminate hitting or other violent acts, bodily injury,
as well as qualified murder, that is, committed against a spouse or a close relative.
Modern regulations specific to domestic violence are ensured in Romanian law,
through 2 special normative acts (Law 197/2000 and Law no. 61/2002) that operate
amendments and additions to certain provisions of the Penal Code to meet the requirements
current criminal policy among which is a safety measure, namely: the prohibition
the sentenced person to return to the family home for a determined period (art.112,
according to art.118, para.1).

- the second category refers to the provisions of Law 217/2003 for the prevention and combating of
domestic violence with subsequent amendments and completions.
This law significantly contributes to the evolution of Romanian legislation regarding
looks at the protection of human rights, taking into account the frequency of cases of domestic violence
and the particularly serious physical and psychological consequences of this phenomenon. From the latest Report

Global on Violence and Health, it results that annually, over one and a half million
people lose their lives as a result of acts of violence (this means 28.8 people percentage-wise
the 100,000 residents) and many other victims suffer from behaviors of this kind.
The current community system still operates in a fragmented manner. This means that each
the institution acts separately, sequentially and with tangential or bilateral interactions, not multi-
lateral, depending on the established roles (e.g., we will encounter good, bilateral collaboration,
between the police officer and the prosecutor, a weak link between the prosecutor and the forensic doctor – unilateral circulation of

of information - , however one that is quasi-inexistent between family doctors and providers of service types
shelter or social workers and forensic doctors). Such an approach leads to revictimization,
incomplete and nonspecific approach, low security for the victim, loss of some
vital information, repeated interviews, limited perspective, low efficiency, skills
limitations that can no longer be supplemented with other perspectives, tolerating violence through actions

inefficient or non-intervention, ignoring the needs of customers.

The emergence of the legislative framework regarding the issue of violence phenomenon in
the family is the result of collaboration between civil society and public authorities, it

40
representing the interest of the Romanian political class regarding the prevention and combating of this
phenomenon.
In establishing the regulatory framework, the first step taken was the emergence of Law no. 217/2003.

for the prevention and combating of domestic violence, which defines the term 'domestic violence'
family" and sets as a national interest objective the protection of the family. Chapter II (art. 8 - art.
11) establishes the founding of the National Agency for the Protection of the Family (hereinafter referred to as

A.N.P.F.) and outlines its objectives and responsibilities.

Government Ordinance no. 95/2003 regarding the amendment and completion of Law no.
217/2003 for the prevention and combating of domestic violence ensures a better use of
public funds. At the same time, this ordinance clarifies the structure, objectives and
the duties of A.N.P.F..
The Pilot Center for Assistance and Protection of Victims of Domestic Violence has been established.
according to H.G. 852/23.09.1996, being a budget institution with legal personality, under the authority of

Ministry of Labour and Social Protection. The center's objective is to combat

the phenomenon of domestic violence, creating a database regarding the extent of this
phenomenon, based on the cases observed.

The establishment of units for the prevention and combating of domestic violence
The units for preventing and combating domestic violence are support units.
social, with or without legal personality33These units can be public, private or in
public-private partnership and is established only with the approval of the National Agency for Environmental Protection

Family.
The proposal to establish a unit for the prevention and combating of domestic violence
is done in accordance with the Local Public Administration Law no. 215/2001 with amendments and
subsequent completions, based on the documentation and justification provided by the public service
of social assistance at the level of county councils or local councils.
The units for preventing and combating domestic violence can be centers for
sheltering victims of domestic violence, recovery centers for victims of violence in
33
Order M.M.S.S.F. no. 385/2004 regarding the approval of the Instructions for the organization and functioning of the units
for the prevention and combating of domestic violence

41
family or assistance centers dedicated to aggressors. These will operate in separate locations,
depending on the destination for which they were established.
At the beginning of 2004, there were a number of 10 prevention and combat shelters.
domestic violence34so that at the beginning of March 2005 their number would reach
30 such shelters, which offer services for 225 people, but unevenly distributed.
geographic.
The action plan for the year 2005 of the National Agency for Family Protection
includes the adoption of the national strategy for the prevention and combat of domestic violence.
The principles underlying the development of this strategy aim to establish the framework
institutional of the system of social services aimed at the prevention and combating of violence in
family, both at the central and local level, as well as the development of the system's capacity
for the multisectoral approach to addressing domestic violence issues.
Both globally and in Europe, a series of important acts have been adopted.
crucial for the position and role of women in society, such as "The Convention on the Rights
women's policies", "Declaration on the protection of women and children during periods
exceptional and armed conflict", "Convention on the elimination of all forms of
discrimination against women", "The Convention for the suppression of trafficking in human beings and

exploitation of another's prostitution

The existence of such an international legal framework should mark the beginning of
a good omen for the rulers of all countries, especially for those in the countries of the former bloc
Communist, where human rights in general, and women's rights in particular, are in a phase
embryonic. Unfortunately, reality shows us that the initiation stage cannot be surpassed
even after 13 years of promoting democratic values, women's rights still have a presence today
declarative, formal, artificial character. There is no viable state policy regarding protection
women's rights, the eradication of violence and discrimination against them.

Commission for Equal Opportunities between Women and Men - Minutes No. 45/52/07, 03.2005
34

42
 Chapter IV - Research Methodology

IV.1. Research Framework

Community Service Complex

Directorate of Social Assistance and Child Protection Vaslui

The Community Service Complex Vaslui includes:

Maternal Center
2.Day Center
3. The counseling and support center for parents, for their children and for the children
in the Day Center
4. The counseling and support center for mothers at risk of abandoning their child

Maternal Center
The Maternity Center operates in connection with other protection services.
child and community social protection.
Target group
I can benefit from the services of the Maternal Center.

- pregnant women or mothers under the age of 18;

- mothers and children on the street or young former street children with children;
- mothers and children victims of domestic violence or only the child victim of
violence in the family or abuse, neglect, or exploitation;
- the mother-child couple included in a family ties rehabilitation program,
after the child has benefited from a protection measure.
Objectives:
a. preventing child abandonment;
the support of mothers in situations of psycho-affective and economic crisis;
the formation, maintenance, and strengthening of family relationships;

supporting the family in taking on parental responsibilities;

43
providing a secure framework for a limited period for the mother-child couple;
the development of the mother's capabilities to provide care, upbringing, and education
of the child according to their needs;
g. educating and strengthening the skills of child growth and care;
h.primary socio-professional orientation.

Services offered by the Maternal Center for the mother-child couple:

- housing, food, covering the expenses for the maintenance and care of the mother and
of the child; each mother-child couple is welcomed in the Maternal Center in a climate
care ensures safety, respect;
- education and counseling for beneficiaries;
- assistance and support provided by specialized staff in an individualized and personalized manner
in the process of assuming the maternal role, the development of caregiving skills and
raising one's own child according to emotional, social, educational, and needs
medical
- supporting the mother in developing autonomy that favors
(re)integration of this along with the child into the family and community;
- orientation and vocational counseling aimed at increasing their (re)integration capacity
in social and professional life.

IV.2. Research Objectives

1. Identification of the determining factors and forms of domestic violence.

2. Identifying forms of support and assistance for the victim.
3. Assessing the intensity of the negative effects of domestic violence on the victims.

44
 IV.3. Research hypotheses

Job instability and dependence on alcohol are aggravating factors of

domestic violence.
The lower the level of education and culture of the couple, the higher it rises.
the risk of domestic violence.
3. The negative influence of the extended family by guiding the victim not to call for help.
specialized help constitutes a major risk factor for its safety.

IV.4. Techniques used in the research

Case study

The case study is a research tool that helps the researcher to describe
the conditions, resources, values, norms, factors, actors involved in the problematic situation.
Thus, he arms himself with an orientation or with a hypothesis, even if alongside the study of
because the researcher completes the information with those obtained from studying the documents
officially, with the help of observation or interview.
A summarized form of the case study can be presented as follows:
1. Presentation of the problems identified by the social work researcher
2. Presentation of the problems identified by the involved parties
3. The history of the problems, the context

4. Strengths, weaknesses
5. Formal/informal mode of operation
6. Evaluation of the studied problem and its definition
7. Research-intervention
8. Evaluation, impact, dissemination of results

45
 Genogram - This is a technique used in the psychosocial field that involves
information gathering for creating a graphic representation of the family structure,
similar to a family tree. It is applied in stages of evaluation, having a role of
social diagnostic. A case presentation of a few pages can be condensed into a
genogram.
To create the genogram, a series of specific symbols are used:

Male person

Female person

Divorce

Marriage

Beneficiary

Solid relationship

Transitory relationship

Tense relationship

46
At the end of the genogram, a legend is created that will include the symbols used with
their explanations.
The ecomap (eco-chart or eco-map) is a graphical, schematic representation of
the relationships of the individual with the social environment (people and institutions with which they interact). At

Like the genogram, the ecomap uses a series of specific symbols to represent
types of relationships:

Balanced relationship

Very strong relationship

Stressful relationship

Unilateral relationship

Bilateral relationship

Tense relationship

To build the ecomap, first, the client is drawn in the center of a circle.
after which his relationships with various people (family members, friends,
colleagues, significant individuals for the client) or institutions (the church, school, police,
city hall, workplace etc.)
The eco-map is constructed at the end of the evaluation stage when the social worker
already possesses enough information to assess the type and quality of relationships
for the client. It can also be done during the intervention and monitoring stages, only
if there are changes at the level of relationships in the client's system.
This technique is very important because it provides a clear picture of
resources from the client's system that are useful for intervention.

47
The method of observation

Observation is a technique for collecting empirical data used in the sciences.

socio-human and in the field of social assistance. It applies in the professional space of
the social worker and in the client's environment/background, in clearly defined situations
determinate (home visit, meeting) and/or in experimental situations. In general,
observation involves visual contact with clients, but in certain situations, the other senses
you can provide more complex information than sight.

With the help of the observation method, we can gather data of different nature, such as:

behavior manifestations (individual and collective behaviors, play activities,

daily human actions and interactions etc.), aspects related to communication
interpersonal (verbal and nonverbal language, quality of communication, transmitted messages, etc.)
aspects related to the social environment (material and living conditions, network of relationships, etc.).

Interview method
The interview is another technique used in research and is defined as
being 'a communication in which one person obtains information from another person.'35The interview
it is an important data collection tool, which aims to understand and
the explanation of socio-human phenomena.

The main types of interview:36

a. unstructured interviews that are non-standardized, which include:
clinical interview: used in psychotherapy, in psychoanalysis, but also in social assistance;
The in-depth interview: primarily used in the field of studying motivations.
b. semi-structured interviews, which include:
the centered interview with open answers;
the interview with open-ended questions
c. the structured interview or with closed questions

35
George Neamţu (coord.), Treaty on Social Assistance, chapter 'Methodological Construction of Social Assistance'
Alina Hurubean
36
Ibid., p. 301

48
 The interview guide represents "an organized set of themes, subthemes and
indicators that structure the investigator's listening and intervention activity in
the communication process.37

Rules for building the interview guide38

1. rules for item and question individualization (one item per question);
2. the rule of precision and maximum simplicity of questions;
3. rule of minimum duration or optimal duration of the interview, depending on complexity
of the nature of the interviewed population, of the objectives and requirements of the research;
4. avoiding long questions as there is a risk that subjects will retain only partially
their content and to address only part of the aspects they reflect;
5. avoiding words with double meanings, imprecise or unknown terms to the population
studied (the word "binişor" for example, means both suitable and "not very well"
generating different meanings and connotations.

6. The array of precoded responses - in case we use closed questions, we must

to cover the entire attribute space of the investigated theme, so it is better to
we transform the closed question into an open question, with all the respective consequences;
The questions must be as concrete as possible and should appeal as much as possible to
the immediate experience of the subjects, so that they do not distort (unconsciously)
the real answers;
The questions must be formulated in such a way as to limit the defense mechanisms.
the minimum.

INTERVIEW GUIDE

Your age.
Are you married?
Do you have children?

Do you have a stable job?

5. Does your husband have a job?

Ibidem, p. 303
37
38
Vasile Miftode, Treatise on Sociological Methodology, Lumen Publishing House, Iaşi, 2003, pp. 243-244.

49
 6. What is your family's monthly income?
7. What made you turn to the services of this center?
8. Who directed you to this center?
What is the problem you are currently facing?
10. When did this problem arise?
11. What do you think are the reasons that lead to the occurrence of abuses?
12. How often does it happen?
13. What types of abuse have you been subjected to?

14. What are the consequences of abuse?

15. Have you tried to resist?
16. What happened in these situations?
17. What do you feel about the situation you are in?
18. Who do you think is to blame for your problem?
19. Who supported you in the decision to turn to the services of this center?
20. Who was against?
Have you thought about a solution so far?
22. What is this solution/solutions?
23. Who can help you solve the problem?
24. In what way did the intervention and therapy of the social worker help you in resolving
your problem?

IV.5. Case studies

Case Study I
I. Initial assessment of the victim
1. Personal information

R.C
September 11, 1978
Actual residence: Tomsa village, Hoceni commune, Vaslui county
Marital status: unmarried
Studies: 8 classes

50
Occupation: homemaker

Religion: Orthodox
2. The state of psycho-physical health
Current health status: good
Medical history: not registered with a family doctor
3. Social History
R.C was born in the municipality of Huşi, Vaslui County, on September 11, 1978. Both
his parents are deceased and he has five siblings. He currently lives in the house of his partner in
the village of Tomsa, commune of Hoceni. R.N, her partner, lives together with his parents-
R.V, 62 years old, retired, and R.S, 58 years old, retired - and with a brother of his - R.I, 19
I, without occupation. Due to the fact that R.N, the victim R.C's partner, consumes a lot of
of alcohol and in considerable quantities, conflicts and arguments often arise that end up
for domestic violence.
II. Evaluating the aggressor
1. Personal data
R.N
August 22, 1970
Actual residence: Tomsa village, Hoceni commune, Vaslui County
Marital status: single
Studies ----
unemployed
Religion: orthodox
2. The state of psycho-physical health
Current health status: good
Medical history: has no medical history, not registered with a family doctor
III. Family Assessment
COPII
R.M-S
June 9, 2005
Residence: village Tomsa, commune Hoceni, Vaslui County
IV. Financial Situation
Income - permanent: child allowance

51
 occasional: day labor

Housing:
lives together with her partner, his parents, and a brother of his
of the concubine
2 rooms
utilities: no utilities
- heating type: wood stove
hygiene status: average hygiene conditions
Individualized protection plan

1. Mother's identification date:

R.C
09/11/1978
Marital status: unmarried
Actual residence: Tomsa village, Hoceni commune, Vaslui County
2. Child's identification date
R.M-S
09.06.2005
Address: Tomsa village, Hoceni commune, Vaslui County
The reason for preparing the plan: overcoming the family's crisis situation and prevention
child abandonment
Benefits

No. The type Quantum Authority Date of The period of

local beginning agreement
responsible
Adult food allowance 7 lei/ D.D.S.S.F February 24, 2006
moon 6 May 24, 2006
2.Food allowance for children 5 lei/ D.D.S.S.F 24.02.2006
moon 6 May 24, 2006
3.Allowance for needs 21 lei/ D.G.A.S.P. February 24, 2006
staff moon C Vaslui 6 May 24, 2006
4. Barrack expenses, 639.3 D.G.A.S.P. 24.02.2006
equipment, material, line C Vaslui 6 May 24, 2006
hygienic-sanitary

52
 Services

No. Type The institution Objective Data of Period of Responsibility

responsible beginning case deployment
Prevention D.G.A.S.P. Couple admission 24.02.200 24.02.2006 Assistant
abandonment C Vaslui mother-child in 6 - social
Maternal Center May 24, 2006
Strengthening the relationship
mother-child
2. Health Cabinet - Periodic evaluation 02/24/2006 Assistant
medical the state of health of 6 - medical
myself and the child's May 24, 2006 Doctor of
The guidance of the mother family
to an office of
family planning
3. Counseling D.G.A.S.P. The assumption by 24.02.2006
C Vaslui mother of 6 - social
responsibilities 24.05.2006 Psychologist
related to the role
mother
Encouragement from the mother
for identification
appropriate methods
solutions
problems
family
-
Diminution/removal
negative effects
provoked by violence
domestic

53
 eco map

Services Family
social expanded

R.C
28 years

Neighbors Family
of the concubine

Medic

Legend
Balanced, normal relationships

Unilateral relationships

Bilateral relations

Tense relationships

54
 Genogram

R.N, R.C,
36 years old 28 years

R.M-S,
June 9, 2005

Legend

Family with a child

Transitory relationship

Tense transitional relationship

Beneficiary

55
 Interview with R.C

Your age.
I am 28 years old.

Are you married?

I am not married, but I live with someone.
Do you have children?

Yes, I have a child, R.M-S, who is 1 year old.

Do you have a stable job?

I do not have a stable job.
5. Does your husband/partner have a stable job?
Neither does my partner have.
6. What is your family's monthly income composed of?
The child allowance, the complementary allowance, and from the money that the partner earns at
day labor.
What prompted you to seek the services of this center?
I called the services of this center because of my partner who was beating me.
8. Who guided you to this center?
A neighbor told me she saw this center on television and when she hit me harder, I ran away.
I left home with the child and came here.
9. What problem are you currently facing?
First of all, I have nowhere to go, and I can't go back home because they will beat me again.
10. What do you think are the reasons that favor the occurrence of abuses?
I believe it's because he drinks all day, especially when he's not working.
11. How often did it happen that you were abused?
Every time he comes home drunk.
12. What types of abuse have you been subjected to?

He hits me, pulls my hair, sometimes drags me out of the house.

Have you ever tried to resist?
Yes, a few times.

56
 14. What happened in these situations?
He hit me even harder.
15. Who do you think is guilty of the situation you are in now?
Maybe I also have a part of the blame....
16. Who supported you in the decision to turn to the services of this center?
No one supported me because I didn't tell anyone that I was coming to the center.
Have you thought of a solution so far?
The only solution was to come here.
18. Who can help you solve the problem?
I don't know exactly, I have no one. Brothers and sisters don't talk to me.
19. How did the intervention and therapy of the social worker help you in resolving
your problems?
It helped me to get in touch with relatives and to find a job.

Case Study II

I. Initial assessment of the victim

1. Personal data about the beneficiary
M.E
February 6, 1980
Chitcani village, Costeşti commune, Vaslui county
Marital status: single
Education: 8 classes

Occupation: student

Religion: Orthodox
2. The state of psycho-physical health
Current health status: good
no medical history; not registered with a family doctor

57
3. Social History
M.E is in the last trimester of pregnancy. She has maintained a union-type relationship.
free with the named G.L, 38 years old, farmer, residing permanently in the village of Chitcani,
Costeşti Commune, Vaslui County. M.E claims that the relationship started in 2005, and in the month of
In August 2006, she left the cohabitant's residence because, due to the consumption of
alcohol, domestic violence has emerged. From this date until September
the same year, benefited from the services of the PRO VITA Foundation in the village of Scrizei, commune

Posesti, municipality of Ploieș ti.

M.E comes from a free union relationship of M.G - deceased and L.A - 60 years old,
housewife, residing in the commune of Plugari, Iaș i County. The beneficiary also has 3 brothers, but does not

keep in touch with them.

II. Evaluation of the aggressor

1. Personal data
G.L
12.07.1969, Vaslui
Actual residence: Chitcani village, Costeşti commune, Vaslui County
Marital status: single
Occupation: not employed
Religion: orthodox
2. The state of psycho-physical health
Current health status: good
Medical history: no medical history; not registered with a family doctor

III. The financial situation of the family

M.E lives together with her partner in her mother's house, G.P-F
Income - Permanent: G.L.'s social assistance, pension, and survivor's pension.
Occasional: from the daily performances of the beneficiary and her partner

Residence:
personal property of the partner's mother, G.P-F

58
 2 rooms and a kitchen
utilities: I own household appliances
heating tip: wood stove
hygienic conditions: appropriate

Personalized intervention plan

1. Mother's identification date:

M.E
06.02.1980
Civil status: unmarried
village Chitcani, Costeşti commune, Vaslui County
The reason for drafting the plan: overcoming the family crisis and preventing abandonment
of the child

Benefits

No. The type Quantum Authority Date of The period of

local beginning agreement
responsible
Food allowance for adults7 lei/ D.D.S.S.F October 13, 2006
moon 6 December 13, 2006
2.Food allowance for children 5 lei/ D.D.S.S.F 13.10.200 13.10.2006-
moon 6 December 13, 2006
3.Allocation for needs 21 lei/ D.G.A.S.P. 13.10.2006
staff moon C Vaslui 6 December 13, 2006
4. Barrack expenses, 639.3 D.G.A.S.P. 13.10.200 13.10.2006-
equipment, material she/he/it C Vaslui 6 December 13, 2006
hygienic-sanitary

59
 Services

Nr. Type The institution Objectives Data of Responsibility Period

responsible beginning case unfolding
Prevention D.G.A.S.P. The granting October 13, 2006
abandonment C Vaslui young residence 6 - social
finally December 13, 2006
trimester of pregnancy
in the Maternal Center
Strengthening the relationship
mother-child
Health Cabinet - Periodic evaluation 13.10.200 13.10.2006 Assistant
medical the state of health of 6 - medical
mamei December 13, 2006 Doctor of
The guidance of the mother family
to an office of
family planning
3. Counseling D.G.A.S.P. Identification October 13, 2006
C Vaslui appropriate solutions 6 - social
to solve December 13, 2006 Psychologist

family problems
-
Diminution/elimination
negative effects
provocation of violence
domestic

60
 Eco map

Family
Services of the concubine
social

M.E
26 years old

Neighbors Family
enlarged

Medic

Legend

Balanced, normal relationships

Unilateral relationships

Bilateral relations

Tense relations

61
 Genogram

G.L, M.E.
37 years 26 years

Legend

Transitional relationship

Tense transitional relationship

Man

Woman/Beneficiary

62
 The interview with M.E

Your age.
I am 26 years old.

Are you married?

I am not married yet.
Do you have children?

I don't have children, but I am pregnant.

Do you have a stable job?

I used to work, but I currently don't have a job.
5. Does your husband/partner have a job?
He doesn't have a stable job either.
6. What is your family's monthly income composed of?
From the pension of the partner's mother and from the money that he earns working by the day.
7. What prompted you to use the services of this center?
I came here to stay away from my partner who beats me.
8. Who directed you to this center?
I was helped by the PRO VITA Foundation and the people there told me that I can come to this
center.
What is the problem you are currently facing?
I have to give birth at my partner's house because I can't go back as he will beat me.
10. When did this problem arise?
Since I moved in with him and his family, our problems have arisen.
11. What do you believe are the reasons that lead to the occurrence of abuse?
I don't know exactly, but since I got pregnant, the arguments and the fights have become more frequent.

12. How often does it happen?

When he comes home drunk and argues with his family and with me.
13. What types of abuse have you been subjected to?

He hits me, tells me that I'm good for nothing, that I don't have a job....
14. Have you tried to resist?

63
I have never tried because I was afraid.
15. Who do you believe is guilty for your problem?
His family is to blame for not liking me.
16. Who supported you in the decision to seek the services of this center?
Some friends told me it's good to come here.
17. Who was against?
His family didn't let me because they said I would bring shame to them in the village.

Have you thought of a solution so far?

Yes, I was thinking of finding a place to stay after I give birth and maybe a job.
19. Who can help you solve the problem?
Here at the center, I hoped that someone could help me, because I don't think anyone else can help me.

20. How did the intervention and therapy of the social worker help you in resolving
your problem?
She tried to help me reconcile with my partner's family and with him and to find myself.
a workplace.

Case Study III

I. Initial assessment of the beneficiary

1. Personal data
B.M
July 9, 1985, Dumeşti commune, Vaslui County
Actual domicile: Dumeşti commune, Vaslui County
unmarried
Education: 7 classes

Occupation: homemaker
Religion: Orthodox
2. The state of psycho-physical health
Current health status: good
Medical history: not recorded with chronic diseases

64
3. Social History
B.M comes from a legally constituted family: mother-B.L, 42 years old and father B.M,
He passed away. He has five brothers with whom he keeps in touch.

B.M has maintained a free union relationship with a certain L.C, 24 years old, farmer, with
permanent residence in Dumeşti commune, Vaslui County. This relationship has resulted in five
children, four of whom are placed in foster care. In the context of the relationship of cohabitation, there has arisen

domestic violence, as a result of which B.M was expelled from her partner's home.
II. Evaluation of the aggressor

1. Personal data
L.C
May 8, 1982
Actual residence: Dumeşti commune, Vaslui county
Civil status: unmarried
Studies: 7 classes
Occupation: day laborer

Religion: Orthodox
2. The state of psycho-physical health
Current health status: good
Medical history: not recorded with chronic diseases
Psychological profile
Information about other family members
COPII
B.D-E
October 27, 2006
III. Material situation
Income - Permanent: the pension and survivor's pension of the partner's grandmother,
the social assistance of L.C
- Occasional: occasional municents provided by L.C

65
Residence:
- personal property of the concubine's grandmother
two rooms and two kitchens
- utilities: do not own household appliances
heating tip: wood stove
hygiene conditions: inadequate

Individualized protection plan

1. Mother's identification date:
B.M
09.07.1985
Actual residence: Dumeşti commune, Vaslui county
Marital status: single
2. Child identification date
B.D-E
27.10.2006
domicile: Dumeşti commune, Vaslui county
The reason for preparing the plan: overcoming the family crisis and preventing abandonment

of the child
Benefits

No. The type Quantum Authority Date of The period of

local beginning agreement
responsible
Food allowance for adults 7 lei/ D.D.S.S.F
moon
2.Child food allowance 5 lei/ D.D.S.S.F
moon
3. Allowance for needs 21 lei/
staff moon C Vaslui
4. Accommodation expenses, 639.3 D.G.A.S.P.
equipment, material, she/he C Vaslui
hygienic-sanitary

66
 Services

No. Type The institution Objectives Date of Period of Responsibility

responsible beginning case unfolding
Prevention D.G.A.S.P. The grant October 13, 2006
the abandonment of C Vaslui the couple's residence 6 - social
mother-child in December 13, 2006
Maternity Center
Consolidation
mother-child relationship
2. Health Cabinet - Periodic evaluation 13.10.2006 Assistant
medical of the state of health of 6 - medical
the mother and the child's December 13, 2006 Medic of
family
3. Counseling D.G.A.S.P. Identification 13.10.2006
C Vaslui appropriate methods 6 - social
to solve 13.12.2006 Psychologist
family problems
-
Diminution/elimination
negative effects
provocation of violence
domestic

67
 Eco map

Services Friends
social

B.M
21 years

Neighbors Family
enlarged

Medic

Legend
Balanced, normal relationships

Unilateral relations

Bilateral relations

Tense relationships

68
 Genogram

L.C, B.M,
25 years 21 years

B.D-E
October 27, 2006

Legend

Tense transitional relationship

Person of unknown gender

Beneficiary

69
 The interview with B.M

Your age.
I am 21 years old.

Are you married?

I am not married, but I have someone.
Do you have children?

Yes, I have 5 children, but 4 are in foster care and one is with me.
Do you have a stable job?
No.
5. Does your husband have a job?
He doesn't have a job either.
6. What is the composition of your family's monthly income?
The pension of the partner's grandmother and social assistance.

7. What prompted you to use the services of this center?

Because of the partner who was beating me.
8. Who directed you to this center?
My brothers told me that such a center exists.
What is the problem you are currently facing?
I have problems with my partner and his family.
10. When did this problem arise?
Since I've been with him, he hits me.

11. What do you think are the reasons that lead to the occurrence of abuses?
She drinks a lot, I think that's why; and she also has problems with her family.

12. How often does it happen?

When he comes drunk and when we have no money.

13. What types of abuse have you been subjected to?

He beats me, curses at me, makes me feel stupid.

Have you tried to resist?

Yes, just once.
15. What happened in these situations?

70
They drove me out of the house.

16. Who do you think is responsible for your problem?

He is guilty... but I think I am also guilty for not understanding him.
17. Who supported you in the decision to turn to the services of this center?
My brothers helped me get here.
18. Who was against?
My partner and his family.
Have you thought of a solution so far?
Yes, I have already thought about it.

20. What is this solution/solutions?

I want to put the child in foster care because we don't have the money to raise him and maybe that's not the way.

he will beat me again.

21. Who can help you solve the problem?

Those from here at the center.

22. How did the intervention and therapy of the social worker help you in resolving
your problem?
He tried to reconcile me with my partner and his family and found a good family.
for my child.

Case Study IV

I. Initial assessment of the beneficiary

1. Personal data
A.G-D
April 17, 1986
Actual residence: Fălciu Commune, Vaslui County
Marital status: single
Studies: 7 classes
Occupation: housewife

Orthodox

71
2. The state of psycho-physical health
Current health status: good
Medical history: does not present medical antecedentes
3. Social History
A.G-D comes from a legally constituted family, being the youngest of the three.
children of the family. Their parents have passed away, the mother in 1992 and the father in 2000. Their sister is still...

Maria, A.L, is 24 years old, is married in Bucharest, has two children and they have not been in touch.
since the death of their father. His brother, A.J, is 30 years old and is away in Braș ov and neither
this does not maintain the connection with the family.

A.G-D lived in the parental home until 2002, when he moved to

her partner, P.M, in the locality of Berezeni. Because he was violent, she left back
in the parental home in the village of Bozi, Fălciu commune.
Between 2003 and 2005, she lived in a common-law relationship with a certain T.S, who is the father

child. On 08.05.2005, she gave birth at the maternity hospital in Bârlad, and after two
after weeks she is discharged and goes to her partner's house, T.S. Due to the fact that T.S
he was violent, A.G-D leaves him and comes to the Maternal Center.
II. Assessment of the aggressor

Personal data
T.S
Date and place of birth: no concrete information is known
Actual residence: Fălciu commune, Vaslui County
Marital status: single
Occupation: not employed
Religion: Orthodox
2. Regarding the other family members
COPII
A.A-F
September 8, 2005
3. Financial situation
Permanent income: child state allowance

72
Dwelling:
personal property of the parents
2 rooms and a hallway
there are no utilities
heating type: wood stove
Hygiene status: satisfactory

Eco map

Family
Services of the concubine
social

A.G-D,
20 years

Neighbors Family
expanded

Medic

73
Legend

Balanced, normal relationships

Unilateral relations

Bilateral relations

Tense relationships

Genogram

A.G-D,
T.S 20 years

A.A-F,
September 8, 2005

Legend

Tense transitional relationship

Family with a child

Beneficiary

74
 Case Study V

I. Initial assessment of the beneficiary

1. Personal data
L.D
29.12.1969
Actual residence: Gîrbeşti village, Ţibana commune, Iaşi county
Marital status: married
Studies:
Occupation: homemaker

Religion: Orthodox
2. The state of psycho-physical health
Current health status: good
Medical history: not registered with chronic illnesses
3. Social History
L.D was raised by her paternal grandparents in the village of Buda, Oşeşti commune, county

Vaslui. After their death, he married a certain L.V, from the village of Huc, Todireşti commune,
Vaslui County. From this relationship, three children were born:
- L.J-F, born on 31.01.1990
L.V, born on 04.08.1991
L.C., born on 07/14/1993
Due to alcohol consumption, L.V is aggressive with his wife. L.D left him.
leaving the three children in the care of. They are currently in family care with their grandfather.
patern, L.A.
Initially, L.D went to his parents in the village of Buda, Oşeşti commune, but since 2003
lives together with her partner, B.P, in the commune of Ţibana, Iaşi County. From this
a free union relationship resulted in 2 children:
L.I-M, born on 30.08.2004
L.A., born on 11.09.2005

75
 L.D claims that B.P, her partner, is also aggressive and acts in his own interest.
own family income, which is why she left him and appealed to D.G.A.P.C., eventually reaching
at the Mother Center.
II. Evaluation of the aggressor

1. Personal data
B.P
20.10.1958
Actual residence: Gîrbeşti village, Iaș i County
Marital status: single
Occupation: farmer
Religion: Orthodox
2. The state of psycho-physical health
Current health status: good
Medical history: no medical history
III. Information about other family members
COPII
L.I-M
30.08.2004, Ţibana commune, Iaşi County

L.A
11.09.2005
IV. Material situation
Permanent income: child allowances, allowance for single-parent families and
social assistance
Housing:
personal property
There are 2 rooms, of which one is livable.
without utilities, without electricity
heating type: wood stove
hygiene condition: inadequate

76
 Eco map

Services
social Family
enlarged
L.D,
37 years

Neighbors Medic

Legend

Balanced, normal relationships

Unilateral relations

Bilateral relations

Tense relationships

77
 Genogram

B.P, L.D,
48 years 34 years old

L.I-M, L.A,
30.08.2004 September 11, 2005

Legend

Family with two children

Tense transitional relationship

Benefit

78
 Case Study VI

I. Initial assessment of the beneficiary

1. Personal data
N.D
03.04.1983
Actual residence: Vaslui
Marital status: unmarried
Studies: 11 classes
Occupation: homemaker

Religion: Orthodox
2. The state of psycho-physical health
Current health status: good
no medical history
3. Social History
N.D comes from a disorganized family and has a sister in Brăila. In 2003, after
upon returning from work in Italy, he met the person named D.P-V from Vaslui, with whom he
maintained a free union relationship. From this relationship, a child was born, D.F-A, born at
date of 23.03.2006 in Vaslui. After the birth of the child, difficulties arose in the family
the concubine, which led him to become aggressive. Thus, N.D. turned to
the services of the Maternal Center.
II. Evaluation of the aggressor

1. Personal data
D.P-V
October 13, 1981
Actual residence: Vaslui
Marital status: unmarried
Occupation: not employed

79
Religion: Orthodox
2. The state of psycho-physical health
Current health status: good
Medical history: no medical history

III. Information about other family members

COPII
D.F-A
March 23, 2006

IV. Material situation

Permanent income: state allowance and child complementary allowance
Housing:
lives in the house of the partner's parents together with them
the dwelling consists of 3 rooms and a hallway
I own utilities
heating type: wood stove
hygiene status: appropriate

80
 Eco map

Family
Services enlarged
social
N.D.
23 years

Neighbors Family
of the concubine

Medic

Legend

Balanced, normal relationships

Unilateral relations

Bilateral relations

Tense relations

81
 Genogram

R.N, R.C,
36 years 28 years

D.F-A,
March 23, 2006

Legend

Tense transitional relationship

Beneficiary

Family with a child

82
 Case Study VII

I. Initial evaluation of the beneficiary

1. Personal data
R.V
30.10.1982
De facto residence: Zorleni commune, Vaslui County
Marital status: single
Education: 8 grades

housewife
Religion: Orthodox
2. The state of psycho-physical health
Current health status: good
Medical history: no medical history.
3. Social History
R.V completed 8 grades in the commune of Zorleni, after which he moved with his father to the village

Mitoc, Banca commune, Vaslui County. At 19 she becomes pregnant and leaves for the commune.
She returns to the C.N family, where she works by the day. She returns to her father, where she gives birth on the date of

On July 13, 2002, the girl R.R-D is placed with a professional foster carer.
Bârlad, Vaslui County.
Later, R.V meets B.S, becomes pregnant, but 11 days after giving birth
the child passes away. After discharge, R.V returns to the house of her partner, who lives with
the parents and his brother along with his family. R.V becomes pregnant again, gives birth
On the date of 17.12.2005, conflicts arise in the family, the partner is aggressive with R.V and leaves her.

out of the house. Thus, she appeals to the services of the Maternal Center.
II. Evaluating the aggressor
1. Personal data
B.S
January 25, 1980

83
Actual residence: Zorleni commune, Vaslui County
Marital status: single
Occupation: unemployed
Religion: Orthodox
2. The state of psycho-physical health
Current health status: good
Medical history: no medical antecedents

III. Information about other family members

COPII
B.S-V
17.12.2005

IV. Financial situation

Income - Permanent: the state allocation and the complementary one for the child
social assistance

Occasional: day labor services of B.S

Other income: I do not have other income
Housing :
personal property of the partner's parents
- 3 rooms, of which only 2 have a heat source
I own utilities
heating tip: wood stove
hygiene condition: adequate

84
 Eco map

Family
Services enlarged
social

R.V,
25 years

Neighbors Family
the concubine

Medic

Legend

Balanced, normal relationships

Unilateral relations

Bilateral relations

Tense relationships

85
 Genogram

B.S, R.V,
26 years 25 years

B.S-V
December 17, 2005 R.R-D,
July 13, 2002

Legend

Tense transitional relationship

Transitory relationship

Person of unknown sex

deceased

86
 IV.6. Analysis and interpretation of data

Following the analysis of the data, it was observed that those most vulnerable to domestic violence

are women in the age group between 20 and 30 years old, and most of the aggressors are
falls within the age group of 25 to 40 years.
Domestic violence is not limited to conflicts that arise between spouses or
concubines, it also extends to the extended family: "Often, the concubine and her father drink
together and end up arguing and even fighting.
The most frequently used means of violence by aggressors are: physical violence ('I am
hit me, pull my hair..."), psychological violence ("Calls me stupid..."; "Tells me I'm not
good for nothing.”), eviction from the home.
Among the most common reasons for violence, we mention: substance abuse
alcohol ("...when he's drunk, he hits me"), lack of a job and insufficient income ("he
she has a lot of time and especially when she has nothing to do), family conflicts ("When they argue with

his family is beating me because of me

Most often, victims seek specialized services to end the violence.
("I ran away from home so I wouldn't get beaten anymore"), or they are thrown out of the house by their partner and not
to whom to turn ("He beat me and threw me out of the house with the child").
Regarding the support networks for victims, they are made up of relatives.
("My brothers helped me to get to this center."), neighbors ("The neighbors helped me, because it was hard for them.
have pity on me), friends (Some friends told me it's good to come here).
In most cases, victims believe that they are also guilty of the aggressions.
what is subjected to ("Maybe I am guilty too, for not understanding him...") but, at the same time, the guilt

it is attributed to the partner's family ('His family is guilty for not liking me and saying that
I am not good for him.
The level of awareness is very low among victims of domestic violence, and the most
You find out about services or specialized centers from neighbors ("A neighbor told me there is a center)

87
like this, because she saw it on television), from relatives ("My brothers told me that if I go to a ...
Can someone help me at the center? Other centers or foundations ("I was helped by the PRO foundation)
VITA and the people there told me to come to this center.
They ask how they were helped by the social worker from the center, most of them have
response that he tried to mediate relations with the family ('He tried to reconcile me with the family')

the concubine and with him.”), to help them find a job or to reestablish contact with
their close relatives ("He contacted my brothers and told them where I am and what happened to me" )

happened)

IV.7. Conclusions of the research

I. Validating the hypotheses

Hypothesis 1:
This hypothesis is confirmed, as the main causes of conflicts and
The dependency on alcohol and instability or lack of employment are the causes of violence.
Hypothesis 2:
This hypothesis is confirmed within this research, as the majority
The victims and the aggressors have between 4 and 12 grades or even have no education at all.
Hypothesis 3:
This hypothesis is also confirmed, as in most cases, the extended family has not
supported the victim in the decision to seek specialized services.
II. General conclusions
The phenomenon of domestic violence is so complex that attempting to frame it
The cause is difficult. However, among the main causes of domestic violence are: consumption or
alcohol dependence, lack of a job, poverty, the appearance of children in the family, etc.
2. The extended family exerts two types of influence on the victim:
a positive one, when guiding or supporting the victim to seek specialized services;
- a negative one, when it prevents the victim from leaving the abusive relationship.

88
 Domestic violence affects not only the physical and mental health of women, but also
the family, professional, and social life of this. In addition, the negative effects of this phenomenon
restrict the options available to women and reinforce gender inequalities.
The forms of domestic violence are a combination of various attacks.
many types: physical, sexual, psychological, as well as economic violence and social isolation.
Domestic violence is found in all social environments, although there is
the prejudice that this phenomenon exists only in families with economic status or level
low educational. Although there is not much research regarding violence
domestic in families with high economic and educational levels, it is estimated that even in
this phenomenon is quite widespread among these families.
6. Regarding public opinion on domestic violence, prejudices and
labeling regarding the victims (and even the family involved). This is still not
prepared to understand the complexity, economic and social implications, the effects of this
a phenomenon so widespread all over the world.

III. Proposals
I considered it necessary for this research to conclude with the proposal of a
intervention project, considering it necessary in the field of 'domestic violence'.

Rehabilitation of victims of domestic violence

Venue: Negreşti City, Vaslui County

The objectives of the project are a total of 5, as follows:
Objective 1: Rehabilitation of victims of domestic violence through the creation and equipping of a center of this type

residential
Activities:
the rental of the space necessary for carrying out the activities related to the project
equipping the building with the necessary items

signing of partnership contracts

89
the recruitment and training of the working team
identification and selection of the target group
Objective 2: Supporting victims in overcoming the conflict situation with the help of meetings with
the abuser in a secure environment
activities
initial assessment of beneficiaries
organizing individual counseling meetings
the organization of counseling sessions with the abuser
mediation conducted between the victim and the abuser

Objective 3: Reducing the negative effects of domestic violence on child victims

Activities:
organizing therapy or mother-child counseling sessions
the organization of extracurricular activities for the children of victims
mediation sessions, counseling, or providing a private space where mothers of children can
discuss with the teachers from the school attended by their children
organizing family therapies
Objective 4: Psychosocial orientation for the development of the capacity for interpersonal relationships and reintegration

socio-professional status of women victims of domestic violence

Activities:
Legal advice provided to beneficiaries by the social worker
ensuring beneficiaries have access to qualification/requalification courses
the organization of group therapies
Objective 5: Raising public awareness regarding the issue of domestic violence
activities
organizing information campaigns
The target group consists of 20 women, victims of domestic violence, aged
aged between 25 and 40, residing in the city of Negreşti, Vaslui County.
Indirect beneficiaries are the children of the victims, their extended family, friends, and neighbors.
the community, the society, etc.

90
 Criteria for selecting target groups
One selection criterion would be the victims' willingness to participate in resocialization through
the services offered by the specialized staff of the center, to cooperate and find the best
solutions for addressing the issues.
A second criterion, just as important, is the reason for the victim's hospitalization. Through
social investigation, the social worker will determine the reasons and causes of the hospital admission, will investigate the condition of

health, both mental and physical, so that it can determine the type of victim and the interventions
necessary.
Civil, material, and financial status constitute another selection criterion for the target group. Also
during the social investigation, the social worker will find out if the victim is married, divorced, or living in
cohabitation, so it will identify the necessary partnerships. It is also very important if the victim
are children, their number, health status and everything necessary for completion
the file.
The reasons that underpinned the selection of target groups
An important reason that underpinned the selection of the target group is that, at the moment
At the initiation of the project, in the Vaslui County, there were no support networks for victims of violence.
domesticated.
Another reason is that, within the city of Negreşti, there are many cases (here registering-
both the reported cases, which are in a small number compared to the real number, and those that are known
only "from neighbors") of domestic violence, which makes specialized intervention necessary. From
Many times, women prefer to remain silent about having been victims of domestic violence.
weighing the existence of children or the fear that these things may not be known by friends and
from other family members. Some victims exhibit an economic and mental dependence on
spouses, coming to believe that they could not manage without their help. Dependency is not real,
because women bear the burden of a household, but they do not see it or do not want to see it. This
the project aims, with the help of specialists, to develop behaviors for victims of domestic violence
independent, self-confidence and belief in one's own abilities to overcome crisis situations.
The collaboration between institutions, which is very difficult to achieve, would be another reason that has stood at

the basis of the target group's election. The information is not transmitted, does not circulate from one institution or organization to

high, thus wasting the opportunity to intervene on all fronts that are affected by violence
domestic. This project aims for collaboration, a partnership with various institutions so that

91
the objective, which is the rehabilitation and social reintegration of victims of domestic violence, to
successfully accomplished.

The importance of the project for the target group

A primary benefit provided by the project to victims would be the elimination of traumas, both physical and

and mental health issues caused by domestic violence. With the help of specialists, victims could regain
the course of normal life, both in cases when they would return to the family of origin (which would include
and the aggressor), solving their problems, as well as in the case where the victim rebuilds their life, divorcing from

aggressor.
A special importance of the project for the victims would be social reintegration. For any
A person's belonging to a group, to a society that stimulates and values them is important.
work, the sacrifices she makes, to accept her as she is. For a victim of violence
family, I believe that social reintegration is essential, as it would increase self-esteem, confidence in
personal strengths would encourage her to take control of her own life.
The duration of the project will be 12 months.

The action plan

The activity
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Renting the necessary space X
for carrying out activities
related to the project
2. Equipping the building with the necessary items
X
3. Signing of contracts for X X
partnership

4. Recruiting and training the team X

of work

5. Training of volunteers X
6. Identification and selection of the group X
target

6. Evaluation initial a X
beneficiaries
7. Organizing meetings of X X X X X X X X X
individual counseling

92
 8. Organizing meetings of X X
counseling with the abuser

Mediation carried out between the victim X X X X

and abuser
10. Organizing meetings of X X X X X
mother-child therapy or counseling

11. Organization of activities X X X X

extracurricular activities for children
of the victims
12. Mediation, counseling sessions X X X
after ensuring a private space in
mothers will be able to discuss with
the teaching staff from the school
frequented by their children
13. Organizing therapies X X X X
family
14. Legal advice services X X X X X X
15. Ensuring access X X X X X X
beneficiaries of the courses in
qualification/requalification
16. Organizing group therapies X X X X X X X
17. Organizing campaigns of X X X X X X X X X X X
to inform
18. Evaluation X X X

Partners
Partner 1: The city hospital of Negreşti - the building necessary for the project's implementation and three meals a day

for each beneficiary.

Partner 2: local newspaper - advertisements, creation of brochures, promotion of partners
The team proposed for the implementation of the project
The team consists of: manager (project coordinator), social worker, psychologist,
administrator

93
 Organization chart with all positions necessary for the project's execution

Manager

Assistant
Psychologist Administrator Accounting
social

Personal
Volunteers of
Guardian
(5) service

Methods that will be used to assess the impact on the target group
The impact assessment on the target group will be carried out in several stages:
The first stage is the initial assessment in which the following instruments will be used:
social survey conducted by the social worker
psychological file created by a psychologist
medical file that will be obtained from the hospital
an overall initial assessment through individual counseling conducted by the social worker
together with the psychologist

b. The second stage is the evaluation over the 12 months during which the project is being carried out, using-
the following instruments:
individual and group counseling
mother-child counseling
psychological evaluation
- through observation, a more detailed assessment will be made on multiple levels (the degree of
adaptability to the center environment, socializing with the other victims, degree of cooperation and involvement
in all activities, the desire for change and for socio-professional reintegration, etc

94
 The third stage is the final evaluation in which the following tools are used:
a final overall assessment that includes individual counseling, group counseling, mother-child, assessment
psychological
The process of professional reintegration following qualification/requalification courses will be evaluated.
(meaning the desire of each victim to find a stable job) and, moreover, they will
evaluate the decisions made by each beneficiary regarding the family situation following the counseling
legal (meaning returning home, next to the aggressor, or divorce)
The final stage consists of evaluation after the project's completion, which involves monitoring time.
for three months for each beneficiary.

Quantitative and qualitative indicators established for each individual objective

Objective Indicators
Quantities Qualitative

1. Rehabilitation of victims the existence of the center the involvement of specialists in

the number of personnel in solving cases
domestic violence through center -the beneficiaries' desire to
the creation and equipping of a the number of female victims come to the center
the number of activities potential partners
residential type center unfolded
the number of partnerships
concluded
the number of volunteers
select
2. Supporting victims in the number of beneficiaries who the desire of the victims to
overcoming the situation sign contracts with involvement in activities
conflictual with the help of the manager of the project
frequent meetings with the number of specialists the degree of involvement and of
involved in supporting achievement of objectives
the abuser in a frame
victims in overcoming staff
secured
crisis situation the degree of involvement of
the number of abusers who abusers in activities in
participate in the activities at who is involved
they also participate

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3. Reducing effects the number of children who the cooperation of the children and
negative at the violence benefits from services their improvement with
domestic violence against children the number of specialists staff
of the victims involved in the process -involvement of children in everything
reducing negative effects activities
but domestic violence in the degree of involvement of
the children of the victims' row
staff in activities and
the decrease in the number of rehabilitation of child victims
children who present problems encouraging cooperation
of socialization improve with the teaching staff
the decrease in the dropout rate in the schools that the children attend
scholars among children attend or
direct or indirect victims
on domestic violence
4. Psychosocial orientation in the number of women who cooperation from
the sight of development benefits from counseling beneficiaries
capacity of individual, group and improvement of the condition
interrelationship and professional social, individual and
the number of women who financing for victims
social reintegration
benefit from courses of supporting the victims in
professional women
qualification/requalification the taking and implementation of
victims of violence the number of women who decisions
domestic I want to find a place the level of involvement of
of work after completion of the victims and the staff
courses

5. Raising Public Awareness the number of programs the degree of combating

public about carried out with a view to domestic violence
the problem of violence change of mentality with the involvement of public opinion in
domestic a view on domestic violence the issue of domestic violence
the number of leaflets, brochures, awareness of the effects
leaflets that have the objective the negatives it has
community information domestic violence against
on the increase in number children,families
victims of violence expanded, society, etc.
domestic, regarding the effects
this on the children
families, society, etc.

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 The project budget

Expenses The unit Nr.de Value Total on

units unitary project
(euro)
1. Human resources
1.1.Salaries (total expenses)
1.1.1 Personal full-time 19,800
1.1.2 Personal part-time 4,400
Subtotal human resources 24 200
2. Transport -
Subtotal transport -
3. Equipment and accessories
3.1. Car rentals -
3.2. Furniture, computers buck 138 13 103
3.3. Others buck 210 2,707
Subtotal Equipment and accessories 15 810
4. Headquarters/Costs related to the project
4.1. Rent for the office moon 12 500 6,000
4.2. Consumables-accessories buck 500 1,635
4.3 Other services (telephone, fax, electricity, 26,880
heating
Subtotal Headquarters/strictly related costs 34 515
the project
5. Other costs and services 9,850
Subtotal Other costs and services 9,850
6. Total costs 84 375

Anticipated funding sources for the project

Expected budget Sum % of the total amount

of the project
1. requested contribution to the financier 52 175 61.83%
2. contribution of the partners, of which: 32,200 38.16%
Negreşti Hospital 30,000 35.55%
Partner 2: Local Newspaper 2,200 2.60%
Total general 84 375 100%

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 IV.8. Annex

Law no. 217/2003 for the prevention and combating of domestic violence
extract

CHAPTER I
General provisions
Art. 1.
(1) Protecting and supporting the family, developing and strengthening family solidarity,
based on friendship, affection, and moral and material assistance from family members,
it constitutes a national interest objective.
The state acts to prevent and combat domestic violence, according to
provisions of articles 175, 176, 179-183, 189-191, 193, 194, 197, 198, 202, 205, 206, 211
305-307, 309, 314-316, 318 and similar articles from the Penal Code, of Law no. 705/2001
regarding the national social assistance system and other legal provisions in the same matter,
as well as the provisions of this law.
Article 2.

In the sense of this law, domestic violence represents any physical or verbal action.
committed intentionally by a family member against another member of the same family
families, which cause physical, psychological, sexual suffering or material damage.
It also constitutes domestic violence to prevent a woman from exercising her rights.
fundamental rights and freedoms.
Article 3. For the purposes of this law, a family member is understood to mean:
the husband;
b) appropriate ore, as defined in Article 149 of the Penal Code.
Article 4. The effects of this law also benefit individuals who have established relationships.
similar to those between spouses or between parents and children, proven based on the investigation

social
Art. 5. The ministries and other central specialized bodies of public administration,
through their territorial structures, they will designate specialized personnel to handle with
increase the cases of domestic violence.

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Article 6.
(1) The authorities provided for in Article 5 will ensure the training and continuous improvement of

persons designated for identifying forms of abuse and for handling

cases of domestic violence.
The social reintegration and supervision service for offenders will prepare personnel.
specialized - social workers and psychologists - capable of conducting therapy programs and
counseling for aggressors. The results of the application of these programs will be presented to the courts,
in accordance with the law.

Article 7.

Local communities, through legal representatives, as well as administrative authorities

Local public ensures conditions for strengthening the family, for preventing conflicts
and domestic violence.
(2) In the event of violence outbreak, local communities, through legal representatives,
as well as public administration authorities will provide logistical and informational support
material of the National Agency for the Protection of the Family.

Mayors and local councils will collaborate with religious organizations, organizations
non-governmental, as well as with any other legal and natural persons involved in
charitable actions, providing them with the necessary support in order to achieve their goals
provided in paragraph (1) and (2).
Non-governmental organizations, as well as any other legal entities involved in
charitable actions that prove they are running assistance programs for victims
victims of domestic violence will be able to benefit from subsidies from the state budget or, as the case may be,

from local budgets, under the law.

CHAPTER IV
Measures for the prevention and combating of domestic violence
Article 16.
The persons designated by public authorities for handling cases of
family violence will have the following main responsibilities:
a) monitoring cases of domestic violence within the sector or territorial unit
deservită; culegerea informaţiilor asupra acestora; întocmirea unei evidenţe separate;
ensuring access to information at the request of judicial authorities and parties or

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their representatives;
b) informing and supporting police workers who in their specific activity
I encounter situations of domestic violence;
c) identifying risk situations for the parties involved in the conflict and guidance
to these for specialized services;
d) collaboration with local child protection institutions and reporting cases, in
compliance with current legislation;
e) guiding the parties in conflict towards mediation;
f) request for information regarding the outcome of mediation;
g) instrumenting the case together with the family assistant.
In the case of committing acts of domestic violence, the police intervene at
the report of the victim, another family member or an authority.
The police officer will immediately notify the competent local authority, in
connection with the victim's situation.

Article 17. The Ministry of Health and Family together with the Ministry of Internal Affairs shall develop and

disseminate documentary materials regarding the causes and consequences of domestic violence.
Article 18. The Ministry of Education and Research carries out, with the support of the other ministries

involve and collaborate with non-governmental organizations active in the field,

educational programs for parents and children aimed at preventing domestic violence.
CHAPTER VI
Centers for sheltering victims of domestic violence
Article 23.
The centers for sheltering victims of domestic violence, hereinafter referred to
shelters, are social assistance units, usually without legal personality, that
provides protection, shelter, care, and counseling to victims of domestic violence, in need
to resort to this social assistance service.
The reception of victims in the shelter is done only in case of emergency or with written approval.
the family assistant, when the victim's isolation from the aggressor is required as a measure of
protection. Persons who have committed the act of aggression are prohibited from entering the premises.
the shelter where the victims are found.
The isolation of victims from aggressors is done with their consent or, as appropriate, that of

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the legal representative.
(4) The organization and functioning of public shelters shall be established by decision of
local councils, with the approval of the agency and in compliance with the quality service standards
social in the field and the methodological norms provided for in art. 10 paragraph (2).
Shelters can be public or private, depending on the nature of the funding. The establishment
the public shelters belong to the county councils, respectively the General Council of
The municipality of Bucharest, and local councils, with the approval of the agency.

(6) In the case of granting subsidies to private shelters, the institution that granted the subsidy
participates in their administration or, as the case may be, controls the use of the funds as such
allocate.
Public shelters constitute the private domain of the community. The provisions of paragraph (6) apply.
apply also for these shelters.
Public shelters must provide the following social services free of charge, with
compliance with quality standards, both for the victim and for the minors in care
protection against the aggressor, medical care, food, accommodation, assistance
psychological and legal counseling, for a determined period until the situation is resolved
family. In the case of individuals who cannot provide for their own accommodation and food, they will
had the right to stay in the shelter until these goals were resolved by the state or by
to non-governmental organizations, through vocational training courses, hospitalization
minors in social institutions etc.
Art. 24.
(1) The bodies of public guardians established alongside county councils and the Council
The Municipality of Bucharest ensures the protection of public shelters in the area of
competence.
Upon arrival at the shelter, the legal means available to the victim are communicated.
and protect the remaining assets from the aggressor, such as: notifying by court bailiff of
removal of the tacit agreement for the disposal of common goods or providing proof,
in judicial expertise. Legal consultation is free, and the mayor can ensure
the support, at least in part, of the corresponding expenses.
(3) The provisions of paragraph (2) also apply for obtaining forensic medical certificates.
All shelters must be assigned to a hospital or another healthcare facility, which should

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ensures medical and psychiatric care. The assignment is made by the local council or,
as the case may be, by the county council, with the approval of the Ministry of Health and Family and of

the owner of the shelter. Zoning is a condition without which it cannot be granted
the operating review of the shelter, provided for in art. 23 para. (4).
The Ministry of Internal Affairs, through the police units, will support the bodies of public guardians.
for the exercise of the duties assigned to them, under the conditions provided by law.
Article 25. The hospitalization of victims or aggressors in treatment and rehabilitation centers is carried out

only with their consent. For minors, consent is given by parents or the legal guardian.
CHAPTER VII
Measures to protect victims of domestic violence
Article 26.
(1) During the criminal investigation or trial, the court, at the request of the victim or
ex officio, whenever there is substantial evidence or indication that a family member has
committed an act of violence causing physical or psychological suffering to another
a member may provisionally impose one of the measures provided for in Article 113 and
114 of the Penal Code, as well as the measure prohibiting the return to the family home.
The measures provided in paragraph (1) cease upon the disappearance of the state of danger that has

determining their taking.

Article 27.
The measures provided in Article 26 are ordered by the court through a reasoned ruling.
Each party is handed a copy of the decision, and in the event that one party is absent,
the notice is displayed at the entrance of the residence.

The court's order can be separately challenged by appeal within 3 days from
pronunciation for those present and communication for those absent. The appeal is not
suspensive of execution.
Art. 28. The person regarding whom one of the measures provided for in art. 26 has been taken may
anytime during the criminal proceedings, to the competent court to judge the substance of the case
the revocation of the measure when the grounds that led to its adoption have ceased.

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 IV.9. Bibliography

1. The Constitution of Romania;

2. Penal Code;
Law no. 217/2003, for the prevention and combating of domestic violence;
Order M.M.S.S.F. no. 385/2004, regarding the approval of the Organization Instructions
functioning of units for the prevention and combating of domestic violence;
5. Bocancea Cristian, George Neamţu (coord.), Elements of social assistance,
Polirom Publishing House, Iaș i, 1999;

6. Campbell, J.C., Abuse during pregnancy: A quintessential threat to maternal and

child health- so when do we start to act?, Canadian Medical Association Journal, 2001;
7. Ciuca, Aurora, Analysis of Domestic Violence in the United States and its
applicability to the international area- thesis, Notre Dame, Indiana, 1996;
8. Stefan Cojocaru,The intervention project in social assistance. From the proposal
from funding to individualized intervention plansPolirom Publishing House, 2006.
9. Farlane, Judith, Violence during pregnancy: health consequences for
mother and child, in 'Dating violence', 1991;
10. Ferreol Gilles, Adrian Neculau, Violence. Psychosocial Aspects, Publishing House

Polirom, Iaș i, 2003;

11. Ionescu, Şerban, The Maltreated Child. Assessment, Prevention, Intervention, Foundation
International for Child and Family, Bucharest, 2001;
12. Irimescu, Gabriela, Specific Techniques in Social Assistance, University Publishing House
"Alexandru Ioan Cuza", Iaș i, 2002;
13. Irimescu, Gabriela, Social assistance for abused individuals, ID course;
The Abused Child
15. Liiceanu, Aurora, Violence is fashionable, in Dilema, vol. 11, no. 530;
16. Mânzat, O., Domestic violence (a stronghold of aggression within the family), in the volume

"Psychology Today", coordinators: Bogathz Z., Petroman P., Eurostampa Publishing

Timişoara, 2001;
Miftode, Vasile, Fundamentals of Social Assistance, Eminescu Publishing House
Bucharest, 1999;

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 18. Miftode, Vasile (coord.), Vulnerable populations and phenomena of self-
marginalization, Lumen Publishing House, Iaşi, 2002;
19. Miftode, Vasile, Treatise on Sociological Methodology, Lumen Publishing House, Iaș i, 2003;

Families and children in difficulty

21. Muntean, Ana, Domestic violence and child maltreatment, Publishing House
Eurostampa, Timiș oara, 2000;
22. Naum, Monica, Domestic Violence in the Perspective of the European Union, Publishing House

Muntenia, Constanta, 2005;

23. Neamţu, George (coord.), Treatise on Social Work, Polirom Publishing, Iaşi,
2003;
24. Roman Marina, Vintileanu Ioaneta, The Woman in Crime, Union
European, PHARE program, Democracy, 2000;
25. Sînzianu, Simona-Gabriela, Domestic violence presented in the press from
Romania, Lumen Publishing House, Iaşi, 2006;
26. Stop domestic violence! Knowledge, prevention, intervention, Program of
report made by the Lumen Association and the Social Center for the Protection of Women
Victims of Domestic Violence, General Department of Social Assistance and Protection
Child, Lumen Publishing, Iaşi, 2006;
Zamfir Cătălin, Zamfir Elenena (coord.), Social Policies, Alternative Publishing
Bucharest, 1995;
The Battered Woman
29. National Research on Domestic and Workplace Violence,
created by the Partnership Center for Equality in the year 2003;
30.www.asistentasociala.ro;
31.www.coe.ro;
32.www.gallup.ro;
33.www.sagepub.com

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