Several towers around Malta and Gozo, which historically guarded the Maltese coast are a symbol of protection and health, they will be lit in orange for sixteen days of awareness and activism against domestic violence.
This campaign was launched in front of the Wignacourt Tower in St Paul’s Bay by Dr Lydia Abela the wife of the Prime Minister in the presence of the Minister for Tourism and
Consumers Clayton Bartolo, Minister for Justice, Equality and Governance EdwardZammit Lewis, Parliamentary Secretary for Civil Rights and Reform Rosianne Cutajar, as
also Commissioner for Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence Audrey Friggieri.
Dr Lydia Abela said that in her legal work she meets many women asking her to help them because they can no longer stand the man lifting his hands or ask her what they will do to protect their children. But then these victims are scared to report, because they feel they love their husband and don’t want to end up in court and break up the family.
She said she also met men who could no longer tolerate verbal abuse by their wives, in words which can lead to mental problems.
The Prime Minister’s wife stressed that society often remembers domestic violence when it sees beatings of vulnerable individuals such as the elderly and people with disabilities who may be at greater risk of domestic violence. She said cases of domestic violence should not lead to nor should they be considered as statistics.
Therefore, in these sixteen days of activism, Dr. Lydia Abela will hear in person from
victims so that, while raising awareness, the country continues to see more investment in favor of the strategy of creating services accessible to more people.
