---
title: "Moldova NGO aids 300,000 people, expands fight against online abuse"
url: https://radiomoldova.md/p/83853/moldova-ngo-aids-300-000-people-expands-fight-against-online-abuse
published: 2026-08-26T12:30:00Z
language: en
author: "Gabriela Melnic"
section: "Social"
source: radiomoldova.md
---

# Moldova NGO aids 300,000 people, expands fight against online abuse

> Over 300,000 individuals counseled and nearly 1,300 direct victims assisted mark the 25-year milestone of the International Center "La Strada" Moldova.

![](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/5e0bdf23-7762-4fd9-b97e-c030e3e88f47.jpg)

Over 300,000 individuals counseled and nearly 1,300 direct victims assisted mark the 25-year milestone of the International Center *"La Strada"* Moldova.

Alongside its longstanding work in preventing human trafficking and domestic violence, the organization has expanded heavily into the digital sphere. Its specialized hotline has already secured the removal of more than 6,000 illegal and abusive online materials.

The growing volume of calls reflects a critical shift in public attitudes toward abuse, according to Elena Botezatu, Executive Director of *"La Strada"* Moldova.

Two decades ago, anti-trafficking advocates often had to convince victims that their situations constituted abuse. Today, public discourse has evolved toward sustainable recovery and structured institutional solutions.

*"We are seeing high numbers of people reaching out for help,"* Botezatu stated during an appearance on public broadcaster Moldova 1. *"This reflects growing trust in specialized services and public institutions, as well as a fundamental shift in societal perspectives."*

![](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/8e5c0e43-c1f7-48c4-87b0-0ea09fac392d.jpg)

**From cross-border trafficking to digital exploitation**

Founded in 2001, the organization began its mission during a severe socio-economic crisis. At the time, human trafficking represented one of Moldova's most acute vulnerabilities, disproportionately affecting women seeking employment abroad.

*"When the center was established, our primary goal was combating human trafficking,"* Botezatu explained. *"Women were frequently subjected to sexual exploitation in destination countries such as Turkey, Italy, and across Europe."*

Over the past quarter-century, exploitation patterns have changed substantially. While traditional cross-border trafficking persists, new threats have emerged, including forced criminality and tech-facilitated gender-based violence.

Children remain the most vulnerable demographic online. *"La Strada"* intervenes in cases involving non-consensual sharing of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), cyber grooming, and digital extortion.

Through its specialized reporting service, the organization has coordinated the takedown of over 6,000 abusive digital files, preventing further victimization.

**Concrete assistance and digital vigilance for families**

Beyond legal and psychological counseling, the center emphasizes that vulnerable survivors require immediate, practical resources to regain independence.

To mark its 25th anniversary, *"La Strada"* launched an initiative to help 25 vulnerable women rebuild their lives. Support ranges from professional retraining to direct household necessities such as clothing, refrigerators, and cooking appliances.

The organization also urges parents to take an active role in their children’s digital wellbeing. Botezatu stressed that the virtual space should be treated as an integral extension of daily life.

Parents are advised to maintain open communication, understand their children's online networks, and stay informed about emerging risks, including non-consensual deepfakes and manipulated media.

*"Online experiences are real experiences,"* Botezatu noted. *"The virtual realm is not a parallel world, but a tangible part of children's daily reality."*

Support services remain accessible through dedicated national helplines:

* Safe Migration and Anti-Trafficking Hotline: 0 8057

* Trust Line for Women and Girls: 0 8008 8008

Translation by **Iurie Tataru**

[Video: https://trm.blob.core.windows.net/photos/0276ebf5-551e-4b57-a8ba-566d72413e95.jpg](https://original.trm.md/video/definst/MP4:2026/8/26/lastrada.mp4/playlist.m3u8)