Region: Moldova, Eastern Europe

Main Areas Of Interest: Women’s rights, child rights, human rights

Fellowship Period: March -May 2007

Keywords: advocacy, social support, reintegration, human trafficking, protection

Biographical Profile:
Sergey was born in Russia. He graduated from the Technical University in Moldova and subsequently held various jobs until 2002, the year he co-founded the organization, ‘Interaction’, which is a human rights-based organization working for the rights of women and children through educational programs, social support and local advocacy.

In particular, Sergey oversees a comprehensive reintegration program for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking. The program provides medical assistance and psychological, social and financial support to the survivors. Further, Interaction is currently in the initial stages of setting up a shelter for trafficking victims and victims of domestic violence.

Given that there are few non-governmental organizations in the Transdniestrian region of the Republic of Moldova, that address the rights of women and children, during his fellowship, Sergey was interested in learning from the experiences of US based organizations. He particularly wanted to acquire insight into the work of shelters and psychological and social support mechanisms for trafficking victims and women and children affected by domestic violence.