Over 3,300 domestic violence cases reported in Piatra-Neamț in the first seven months of the year
Police in Piatra-Neamț responded to 3,359 cases of domestic violence during the first seven months of the year, with almost two-thirds reported in rural areas.
Ion Puican, 23.09.2026, 14:00
According to a report by the Neamț County Police Inspectorate, almost 3,200 of the incidents were reported through Romania’s single emergency number, 112, while 990 were classified as criminal offences. Of these, 348 were recorded in urban areas and 642 in rural areas.
Police carried out 3,224 risk assessments, identifying an imminent risk in 803 cases. A total of 476 provisional protection orders were issued. Of these, 438 were confirmed by prosecutors, while 127 were subsequently converted into permanent protection orders. Forty-three perpetrators were placed under electronic monitoring, with the measure currently in force for 40 people. Police also recorded 200 breaches of protection orders.
Police Commissioner Nicoleta Tablan, from the Neamț Public Order Service: “We are indeed talking about 3,300 situations in which police officers were called to intervene in conflicts or cases of domestic violence during the first seven months of the year. But behind every police intervention there are people, there are families, and very often there are victims living in a constant state of fear. We cannot look at these figures simply as statistics. They are a clear sign that domestic violence remains a real problem, and that both rapid police intervention and prevention are extremely important in such situations. The fact that victims ask for help and report incidents to the police is a positive development for us. It means that situations of domestic violence are no longer hidden to the same extent behind closed doors. But it also means that victims have confidence in the police and in the measures that can be taken through provisional protection orders.”
The situation in Neamț reflects a wider national trend. According to data from the Romanian Police, almost 73,000 interventions related to domestic violence were recorded across the country during the first six months of 2026, with more than half taking place in rural areas.
In Neamț County, domestic violence is significantly more prevalent in rural communities. So why is domestic violence so widespread in rural areas? Police Commissioner Nicoleta Tablan explains: “I think it is very important not to generalise. Domestic violence occurs both in rural and urban areas. The difference is that, in rural communities, we are sometimes dealing with smaller communities and greater financial dependence. We may also be talking about a lack of employment opportunities, or simply greater distances from certain services, which can make victims feel that they have no other options. In some situations, victims have nowhere to go, or they do not know where they can find support. That is why it is very important for people to know that the first step can be very, very simple: ask for help. In an emergency situation, they should call 112.”
In 803 of the 3,224 risk assessments carried out in Neamț County, police identified an imminent risk. But what does “imminent risk” actually mean? Nicoleta Tablan: “Imminent risk means that, following an assessment of the situation, police officers determine that there is a real and immediate danger that the victim could be subjected to acts of violence, or that the situation could escalate. The assessment, carried out by the officers at the scene, is not a superficial one. They examine the specific circumstances, the perpetrator’s behaviour, threats, acts of violence and all the other elements that could indicate a danger to the victim. It is a moment when the absolute priority is the safety of the vulnerable person. Everything in the imminent risk assessment form is considered from this perspective. Once police determine that such a risk exists, the first priority is to remove the danger and protect the victim. Depending on the specific circumstances and the outcome of the assessment, police may issue a provisional protection order and impose the measures provided for by law. The victim is also informed about their rights and the options available to them in that situation. It is important to understand that the intervention does not simply end when the police officers leave. The situation is documented and, depending on the individual circumstances, further legal measures are taken to protect the victim.”
A total of 476 provisional protection orders were issued, while the measures imposed were breached in 200 cases. But how effective is a protection order in practice when it comes to protecting a victim? Nicoleta Tablan: “A protection order is a very important tool for ensuring the victim’s safety. It establishes clear restrictions on the perpetrator, and any breach must be reported to the police immediately. The 200 situations in which the measures imposed through provisional protection orders were breached show just how important it is for victims not to ignore a breach, but to immediately ask the police to intervene in every such situation.”
Finally, we asked what message she would have for someone living in a violent relationship who might be listening now and is unsure whether to call 112: “Help should be sought when there is violence, when there are threats, or when there is fear for your own safety or the safety of your children. If the danger is immediate, the first thing to do is call 112. The victim should, if possible, move away from the perpetrator and get to a safe place. I would like to send a very important message: you do not have to wait for the next assault before asking for help. If there are signs that the situation is escalating, speak to someone you trust, contact the authorities and seek specialised support.
Violence is not normal. It is not a private matter, and above all, it is not the victim’s fault.” (EE)
