In a conference with the theme ‘Domestic Violence Is Everyone’s Business’, the wife of the Prime Minister Dr. Lydia Abela noted the work being done by the parties involved that touch on the subject of domestic violence but hinted that it needs to be done more and pointed out how the discussion serves as an important spur for work in favor of those affected by the reality of domestic violence.
In a conference in which a study was presented by the Faculty of Social Welfare within the University of Malta, Dr. Abela recognized how a number of recommendations that were put forward are being made or work has been started on it including an assessment of aggressors who could potentially stand for correctional care programs. “We must remain aware and focused on the different realities linked to domestic violence because realities evolve and we must be there to respond to them”, pointed out Lydia Abela and explains how domestic violence leaves different victims and not only women.
She stressed on education as an important tool to continue instilling important values of love and respect and to change a misogynistic mentality that unfortunately still exists. In an address that she also made at the end of the conference in which many stakeholders and people from different entities gave an account of the work being done and important thoughts, Dr. Lydia Abela reminded that as society we must continue to send a message that violence domestic is unacceptable.
Minister for Social Policy and Children’s Rights Michael Falzon stated “We cannot close our eyes to any kind of violence, no matter where it comes from. We must continue to help many more victims who are suffering in silence. Any missed action can lead to great suffering or even death. The Social Ministry financially assists various non-governmental organizations that help so many victims and even their families, and we are committed to strengthening this commitment.”
Minister for the Interior, Security, Reforms and Equality Byron Camilleri explained that the various entities worked in the fight against domestic violence and gender-based violence, the main ones being the Corps of Police through the domestic violence unit and gender-based violence and victim support through the victim service agency. Minister Camilleri claimed that even though we have done a lot, we need to continue to strengthen the service that victims receive because it is never enough.
The Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms and Equality Rebecca Buttigieg claimed that although we are in the last day of the sixteen days of activism, the fight against all types of violence must continue throughout the year. “With the reforms that have already been made, more work is needed to ensure that the system offers effective protection to victims of domestic violence. Therefore, we will be implementing the electronic tagging system in cases where a person has a protection order issued against them so that there is a greater deterrent so that they do not approach their potential victims,” explained the Parliamentary Secretary Shop
