The Ministry for Social Policy and Children’s Rights is collaborating with the Johns Hopkins University in the United States with the aim of strengthening the knowledge and training of Maltese professionals who work with serious cases of domestic violence.
Over the last few days, the delegation arrived in Malta and started training sessions on various aspects that directly affect the subject of domestic violence. Around two hundred social workers, members of the Police Force, people working in the field of health and education, attended training sessions during which they had the chance to better understand innovative methods that establish factors that put in risk victims of domestic violence.
During these sessions the concept of ‘Danger Assessment Tool’ was advanced, a type of assessment that is used in several countries, and whose main objective is to establish as quickly as possible factors associated with risk of homicide in violent relationships. These details were given in a news conference, by the Minister for Social Policy and Children’s Rights, Michael Falzon, the Chairperson of the Board of the Multi Agency Risk Assessment Meeting (MARAM) Ruth Sciberras, and Professor Jacqueline Campbell from Johns Hopkins University.
The MARAM, which has now started to be operated in its entirety, is preparing a work plan regarding victims affected by the social scourge of domestic violence. Therefore, after the assessment, in case it turns out that there is a high risk of serious danger for the victim or for his relatives, this case will be transferred to the MARAM system so that an analysis can be carried out between several professionals.
The ‘Danger Assessment Tool’ is used specifically in the United States, and several other countries, with this model expected to be adopted in Malta as well after a certain level of knowledge has been given to all people who have direct contact with ‘ victims of domestic violence as well as their relatives.
Minister Michael Falzon concluded by emphasizing that the Government will continue to invest in human resources and will continue to provide continuous training to professionals, so that they are in a position to assist in cases that really require immediate attention.
