During a news conference on domestic violence it was announced that a special board had been set up so that those victims of domestic violence considered to be in a state of great vulnerability would find immediate help.
After last February the Multi Agency Risk Assessment Meeting known as MARAM was set up on a recommendation that came out of the magisterial inquiry in relation to the murder of Bernice Cassar and started to function, now this board has been set up which will be he is doing an evaluation of what came out of the risk assessment with the victim who made the initial report to the Police.
In case it turns out that there is a high risk of serious danger for the victim or for his relatives, the case is passed to the MARAM so that an analysis can be made between several professionals, the main ones being those coming from the field of health, police, interior, education and the Red Agency among others. Here a holistic plan is prepared for each case, which is done with the agreement of several different entities.
During his address, the Minister for Social Policy and Children’s Rights Michael Falzon spoke about the need for more immediate work to avoid situations of imminent danger as much as possible. “This is a reality that exists and will continue to exist, and we have the duty to do everything possible with the aim of avoiding tragedies. This while we are already at a stage where we have managed to help the Police through useful information and thus they can take action much faster”, stated Minister Falzon.
The Chairperson of MARAM Ruth Sciberras said that through MARAM a holistic service and much more support will be provided to the victims who are going through this abuse.
She said that all the professionals were given training in the United Kingdom, by experts in the subject, so that they have a multi-dimensional picture of everything that can lead to such situations. This while they are in a position to act quickly, in the best interest of the victims.
From June 13 onwards, MARAM worked with 74 serious cases, of which there were 63 reports from women, 3 from men, and 8 cases where adult children committed physical abuse on their parents.
