The Commissioner published today her submission to the Committee of Ministers in the context of the supervision of the execution of the judgment delivered by the European Court of Human Rights in the case of Bălșan v. Romania in 2017. The Court found a violation of the prohibition of torture and of inhuman and degrading treatment because the authorities failed to protect the applicant from repeated acts of domestic violence inflicted by her former spouse. The Court also found a violation of the prohibition of discrimination because of the discriminatory attitude of the investigation, prosecution and judicial authorities towards the applicant as a woman.
The Commissioner highlights that the Romanian authorities should remove the obstacles that prevent women from accessing justice; increase the availability and accessibility of support measures for victims of domestic violence; and prevent domestic violence and other forms of gender-based violence against women.
“A stronger commitment of the authorities is needed to ensure the effective protection of women from gender-based violence in Romania,” writes the Commissioner, underscoring that this is an essential component of guaranteeing women’s rights and advancing gender equality in the country.