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Launch of the SOPHIA Chatbot in the Republic of Moldova – A Major Step in Supporting Victims of Domestic Violence

The event brought together representatives of the authorities, international organizations and civil society, underlining the common commitment to protecting the rights of women and girls in Moldova.

Chatbot Sophia, developed by Spring ACT in Switzerland, is an anonymous and secure digital tool that provides quick access to essential information, local resources and the possibility of safely storing supporting documentation related to abuse. With this launch, the Republic of Moldova becomes the second country in Europe, after Switzerland, where the chatbot becomes available in multiple languages – Romanian, Ukrainian and Russian – to meet the diverse needs of users.

During the event, Sorin Mereacre, President of the East Europe Foundation, highlighted the role of partnerships in the implementation of this project:
"Sophia is more than a chatbot – it is a symbol of solidarity and concrete support for victims of domestic violence. We are glad that this initiative, already recognized internationally, is now also available in the Republic of Moldova. We thank Sweden, Switzerland, the L’Oreal Fund for Women, and the European Investment Bank Institute for their support in the implementation of this project."

Rhiana Spring, Founder and Executive Director of Spring ACT, emphasizes that:
"Domestic violence knows no borders, and neither should support. With Chatbot Sophia, we are breaking the silence and the barriers that keep victim-survivors from getting the help they need. No one should feel alone in their struggle and now support is just a click away. This launch in Moldova marks another important step towards a world where no one has to suffer in silence."

On behalf of the Embassy of Sweden in Chisinau, Karin Borovic, Head of Development Cooperation, stressed the importance of Sophia’s multilingual accessibility:
"Domestic violence is a serious violation of human rights. The fact that Sophia is now available in the Republic of Moldova, in Romanian, Ukrainian and Russian, demonstrates our shared commitment to creating a society that values the safety and dignity of every person."

Guido Beltrani, Director of Cooperation, Swiss Cooperation Office in Moldova, highlighted the innovation that Sophia brings:
"The Republic of Moldova is the second European country, after Switzerland, where we are launching Chatbot Sophia in more than one language. Unfortunately, gender-based violence is a widespread phenomenon, and such innovative solutions are needed to provide additional essential support to victims."

At the same time, Neli Lelenco, the interim Deputy Director of the National Agency for the Prevention and Combating of Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence, stressed the importance of this initiative for strengthening support mechanisms:
"With this initiative, the Republic of Moldova is taking an important step in strengthening mechanisms to prevent and combat domestic violence. In a world where access to information is essential for safety, Sophia offers a safe, anonymous and accessible digital space where victims can find support confidentially."

With over 40,000 users globally, Chatbot Sophia has become a vital support tool in several countries.

Domestic violence remains a major issue in the Republic of Moldova, and recent data confirms the need for continued support measures:

• 1 in 3 women in Moldova has experienced some form of domestic violence.
• In 2023, over 10,000 cases of domestic violence were reported to the authorities.
• 40,000+ people around the world have used Sophia to find support in crisis situations.

The launch of Chatbot Sophia in the Republic of Moldova marks more than a technological initiative – it is an essential step in supporting victims of domestic violence and strengthening efforts to combat this phenomenon. With the support of national and international partners, Sophia is becoming a trusted ally for women and girls seeking help in a safe, anonymous and accessible way.

You can access SOPHIA here: https://sophia.chat/  

For more information, please contact: 

Mihaela Cîrnov – Communication Officer 
mihaela.cirnov@eef.md | 060736669