The Victims of Crime Agency and the Local Councils Association, are collaborating to increase awareness of the rights of crime victims.

Through the agreement, Local Council employees will be given training so that they’ll also be a point of reference for residents in their towns and villages.

Professionals in the field will give necessary training to Local Council employees on the first guidance given to residents who have fallen victim to a criminal offence.

The Agency said that it is working continuously to be closer to the public with the aim of preventing, educating and giving support to crime victims.

Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri said the Victims of Crime Agency has assisted more than 3,000 victims in just over two years since this agency has been established.

He explained that these services are always being extended in order to reach the largest amount of people possible and that was why an agreement was made with the Local Councils Association.

Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli explained that the Local Councils are the first point of reference for residents in the community and this agreement will continue to give the tools to the Local Councils to be able to assist and help victims of crime.

She said that the training would be useful for Local Councils members, enabling them to create new services and initiatives in favour of these victims who live in Gozitan and Maltese towns and villages.

Chief Executive of the Victims of Crime Agency, Brian Farrugia, explained that the agency will be giving information and training to officers and employees in Local Councils.

Lianne Cassar, from the Local Councils Association, said that through this agreement the Association is committing to assist the Regional and Local Councils in order to provide first assistance to their residents.

Photo: DOI/Jeremy Wonnacott

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