The Victims of Crime Services Agency (VSA) has launched two more support services for victims of crime and domestic violence.

The Government said that one of the services envisages that a victim who wants to appear in court will be able to leave her children under the age of three in one of four childcare centres spread across various localities in Malta and Gozo, including Gharb in Gozo, Santa Venera and Mriehel.

Mothers who receive a service from the Agency will be provided with this service after notification to the agency.

Similarly, those care for a dependent, such as the elderly, vulnerable or disabled, can, in the same way, apply to the agency so that, during their absence due to having to testify in Court, a certified carer is sent to their residence to take care of the dependent. This service will also be provided free of charge.

Both services cover a short period of time before and after the person goes to testify in Court.

Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri, said that the new services are tangible and aimed at victims of crime in order to alleviate the negative experience they have gone through.

He said that since it was created four years ago, the Victim Support Agency has already served more than 4,000 victims. “In this way, we are showing that we are indeed close to victims in society so that they do not become victims a second time.”

Minister Camilleri said that the new services, which were announced in the last Budget, also complement the tools that were made available to victims. Both through the 116006 support line; through legal advice or emotional support services from professionals as well as by the agency assigning them a person to accompany them when they go to court to testify.

The Agency’s Chief Executive Brian Farrugia said that the new services were designed around the needs of victims in order to ensure that they give their testimony in a “clearer and more serene manner.” The testimony of victims of crime in court is essential for proper justice to be done and helps victims recover for a better quality of life.

For those at risk of domestic violence, there is also the law by which persons who are in an intimate relationship can apply to the VSA to see if their partner has a history of domestic violence.

The Crime Victims Services Agency also provides support and assistance to victims through information and developments regarding their Court cases; guidance on what to expect in Court and also provides information regarding the offender’s release from prison.

Photo: DOI

Permalink: Free childcare and carer service for crime victims who appear in court