Official statement
The serious case that occurred in Ialoveni district, in which a child was subjected to extreme violence, deeply affected me both as a person and as a mother.
It is painful to witness violence between children. And it is even harder to bear when the aggression is filmed and ends up online, where the wound does not heal but is reopened every time someone watches, comments, or shares it. This shows us how much the presence of adults matters in children’s lives – at home, at school, among friends, and in the online environment.
I want to underline an essential point: the children who committed acts of violence are, in turn, children themselves.
Violent behaviours do not appear out of nowhere. They are most often the expression of unresolved problems, of violence that has been witnessed or experienced, of a lack of support and guidance. These children need psychological intervention, correction and accountability, not just labelling. Without early intervention, the cycle of violence repeats itself.
I address, with full responsibility, parents and adults who raise children: violence does not educate. Punches, slaps, humiliation or fear do not educate. Children learn relationships from what they see and experience at home. Violence transmitted as a “disciplinary method” will sooner or later turn against other children.
At the same time, I make a public appeal to opinion leaders, media institutions and news websites: please do not turn this case into a sensational subject and do not publish images, footage or information that may lead to the identification of the children involved in this case.
Public exposure amplifies trauma, causes revictimisation and seriously affects the recovery process. Protecting the child must be our shared priority, beyond audience ratings and clicks.
Preventing violence is not an easy path and does not happen overnight. It requires education, early interventions, resources and well-trained professionals. Above all, it requires a change in mindset that we have the responsibility to build together, step by step.
It is important to know that when a child goes through abuse, they often remain silent — out of fear, mistrust, or simply because they do not know how to speak up. Do not treat them as invisible. Notice the signs. Report.
Seek the support of a child protection specialist / community social worker, doctor, teacher/educator, psychologist, or mayor.
Call the Child Helpline 116 111 for information, counselling and referral. In case of immediate danger, call 112.
Viorica Țîmbalari
General Director
National Agency for the Prevention and Combating of Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (ANPCV)
