As part of the 16 days of activism on domestic violence, Dr Lydia Abela, the wife of the Prime Minister visited Emmaus Home in Victoria, Gozo, which provides shelter and support to victims of domestic violence.
Emmaus Home is the first home in Gozo to offer not only a roof over the heads of victims of domestic violence and their children, but also a care and rehabilitation program.
Dr Abela heard and spoke to a number of victims about the pain and suffering they are going through as a result of this problem. She had a message of courage and hope for the victims and appealed to anyone in similar situations not to be afraid to seek help. She said that in this facility they will find people trained in the field who are ready to support them.
She also met with the staff of Aġenzija Appoġġ who offer many support services to victims in this home, including a rehabilitation program, counseling service and legal aid among others.
The Minister for Solidarity and Social Justice, the Family and the Rights of the Child Michael Falzon said that in these 16 days of activism against domestic violence, the government is not only sends a message against this social scourge but is showing that it is committed to taking concrete steps to address this abuse. He called for everyone to unite on one front to ensure social justice in all its aspects.
Minister Falzon also praised the synergy that is being put in place in this field while thanking the Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri and Dr Lydia Abela for their commitment.
Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri praised the initiative being taken by Dr Lydia Abela to raise awareness about domestic violence and thanked all the workers of Dar Emmaus who work hard to offer shelter and help to the victims.
He also thanked Minister Michael Falzon and said that it is important to continue the joint work that is going on between the two ministries in order to ensure that these essential services for society are offered in Gozo.
Photo: OPM
