Economic violence – a silent threat to social sustainability: approaches, international comparisons, and public perceptions

In the context in which the concept of sustainable development has become a global priority, it is essential to understand that sustainability involves ensuring a balance between economic progress, social inclusion and respect for fundamental human rights. In this sense, the social pillar of sustainability involves combating all forms of inequality, discrimination or abuse. Economic violence is a subtle but deeply destructive form of discrimination, which undermines sustainable social development. This article aims to analyze economic violence both from a conceptual and historical perspective, as well as in its practical dimension, through a survey conducted among UTM respondents. Through a comparative analysis between the Republic of Moldova, the European Union, the United States and other countries, the research aims to highlight the determinants, characteristics and institutional responses to this phenomenon. The paper demonstrates that the prevention and elimination of economic violence presents not only problems of social justice, but also essential conditions for building a sustainable society based on equality, solidarity and mutual respect.