The case concerns the failure of Moldovan authorities to protect a woman (T.) from domestic violence by her ex-husband (I.C.), which culminated in her death after falling from the fifth floor of her apartment. The Court found violations of Articles 2 (right to life – procedural aspect), 3 (prohibition of inhuman treatment – both substantive and procedural aspects), and 14 (prohibition of discrimination) of the European Convention on Human Rights. Key findings:
- The authorities failed to conduct an effective investigation into credible allegations of physical and psychological domestic violence and into the circumstances of T.’s death
- The legal framework and its implementation failed to effectively prevent a pattern of domestic violence consisting of psychological violence and physical violence which continued between former spouses
- The authorities failed to assess the real and immediate risk of violence recurrence and to take preventive measures
- There was institutional passivity and lack of awareness regarding domestic violence as a form of gender-based violence affecting predominantly women
The Court awarded €20,000 in non-pecuniary damages to the applicant. The case highlights systemic issues in Moldova’s response to domestic violence, particularly regarding risk assessment, protection of victims, and prosecution of perpetrators.
