Minister for Equality, Research and Innovation Owen Bonnici and Minister for Solidarity and Social Justice, the Family and Children’s Rights Michael Falzon visited Dar Għabex which serves as a shelter for victims of domestic violence.
During this visit, the Commission on Domestic Violence and Gender-Based Violence collaborated with the National Book Council to donate children’s books and other literary works to shelters for victims of domestic violence.
During his speech, Minister Owen Bonnici praised this initiative and said that survivors of domestic violence have usually been through more turmoil than many of us can understand. Thankfully, we have organizations that are ready to help and support these people as required, even through shelters such as this one.
Minister Bonnici highlighted the fact that, “When children are involved, it is obviously harder for the victim to get back on their feet and move on with life. With this simple gesture of book donation, we are making it clear that we acknowledge the complex needs of the children involved as well, and we will be there for them as well.”
Minister for Social Justice and Solidarity, the Family and Children’s Rights Michael Falzon praised the Government’s work in this area where year after year, it continues to allocate more funding to NGOs working closely with victims of domestic violence and their families, especially children.
“Today we are distributing a number of books as a gesture that shows the will that this Government has in order to give equal opportunities to every child, without any prejudice. This is a Government that strongly believes in solidarity and justice, and will therefore continue to work to address situations of domestic violence that hinder the development and characters of children in particular”, the Minister concluded.
Domestic violence can affect people from all walks of life. It exerts a toxic effect on families and in intimate relationships, including harm to the general wellbeing of children. Forced and sudden life changes negatively impact not only the adults concerned, but also the children and young people in the family.
Through this initiative, the children affected by domestic violence can continue with their education even if difficult circumstances might prevent them from accessing their schoolbooks and attending school during the time they spend in shelters. Moreover, the donated books will serve to set up or enhance the library in domestic violence shelters, serving to further enhance the place of residence of those deprived of the comfort of their own home.
