Die Gattenmörderinnen

Domestic violence and it's consequences in Romania and Moldova - a project in collaboration with Ioana Pascaru

'An unclaimed woman is like an unkempt house‘ - goes a proverb from Romania and Moldova that attempts to justify a tradition of violence accepted by many men and women alike. These two countries are linked not only by a troubled history and a common language but also by a social phenomenon: A significant proportion of the women in prison there were convicted of murdering their husbands. Many of these women come from rural areas, have low incomes, and possess a limited level of education, enduring years of domestic violence. In the Moldovan women‘s prison ‚Rusca,‘ 129 out of the 362 women in custody had previously been victims of domestic violence. There are hardly any support systems to which they can turn. Often, these women are even accused within their own families of being responsible for the violence they endure. Many do not dare to leave or report their abusive partners because, on their own and without financial support, they would have no chance of making ends meet.

The social background of this vicious cycle is multifaceted, ranging from inadequate legislation to the failure of state authorities, mistrust in the police, and the transition from socialism to a market economy, which has left many disadvantaged, especially in rural areas.

This has led to frustration, alcoholism, and violence. During our independent research, we have had the privilege of meeting remarkable women: Elisabeta C. (41) endured years of abuse before killing her husband in selfdefense, which led to her conviction. After serving her prison sentence, she is now attempting to rebuild her life by working in a pastry shop while caring for her five children. Elena G. (35) killed her abusive husband with a kitchen knife, resulting in a 10-year prison sentence, from which she is now under house arrest. She aspires to a brighter future and plans to relocate to Portugal after remarrying.

Victoria P. (29) defended herself by killing her ex-husband and received a seven-year prison sentence. Since her release, she has been leading a modest life with her family and is dedicated to safeguarding women from violence.These stories, along with those of Nicoleta O., Maria A., Natalia L., and Svetlana C., illuminate the often hidden yet destructive reality of violence against women in Romania and Moldova. In their harrowing nature, they shed light on the experiences of all women impacted by domestic violence.

A farmer looks at the village of Bărbătești in northeastern Romania. Here, on September 8, 2022, Maria A. (64) killed her violent husband Vasile in self-defense with a knife.

Maria had to endure 32 years of violence in her marriage. She is currently under house arrest waiting for her court date. She prays daily that justice will have mercy and that she will not end up as an old woman in prison.

Maria and her granddaughter in the commune of Cucuteni, in northeastern Romania.

The entrance area of the only women‘s prison in Moldova, in Rusca.

Natalia L. (36) stabbed her violent husband to death on September 28, 2019, the birthday of her eldest son, after she and her two children had suffered years of abuse. She is imprisoned in the „Rusca“ women‘s prison in Moldova, sharing a cell with three other women.

Natalia is in contact with a woman from England who learned about her case from television and wrote to her.

Although Natalia regrets what she did, she also considers herself a victim and hopes for more justice for women who experience similar violence. The scar on her face is from her marriage and was inflicted by her husband.

Victoria P. (29) and her daughter live in Onesti, Moldova

Victoria killed her violent ex-husband in self-defense after enduring years of physical and psychological abuse.

The grave of her murdered husband Vasile. In the cemeteries, it is noticeable that many men die relatively young.

Svetlana C. (53) was sentenced to 4 years imprisonment for accessory to murder and is being held in Rusca women‘s prison.

It happened during an argument between her son and her husband after both had been drinking alcohol. At the moment she often studies the bible and finds salvation in her faith in god.

The Republic of Moldova has one of the highest alcohol consumption rates per capita in the world.

Nicoleta O. killed her husband Ionut on May 24, 2022. She is currently under house arrest and lives at home with her mother until the trial. The parents of the deceased husband (in the photo) have taken their two children into custody.

The father of the killed Ionut.

The empty house of Nicoleta and Ionut.

The only women‘s prison in Romania is located in Târgșor. Hundreds of women are in prison in Romania for murdering a spouse.

Elisabeta C. (41), a Roma woman from Oltet, Romania, had to endure daily violence in her marriage for 17 years. To escape her husband Dancu, she killed him in self-defense with a hammer. She was sentenced to seven years and spent 5 years and 4 months in prison.

After her release, Elisabeta found support from an NGO and now works in a pastry shop while caring for her children and grandchildren.

She dreams of living a happy and carefree life.

Seating of the bride and groom at a traditional wedding in Moldova. Couples usually get married at a young age.

Elena G. (35) killed her husband on New Year‘s Day 2018 with a kitchen knife after 11 years of relationship full of violence. Elena was sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment and served 6 years between 2017 and 2023 in the women‘s prison in Rusca, Moldova. Religion plays a major role for many female inmates.

She was released early in January 2023 due to good behavior. She is not allowed to leave Moldova until the end of 2023 and must wear an ankle bracelet.