The 8th of March has become a global day celebrating the social, economic and political achievements of women past, present and future. It symbolises the significant change and society’s shift in attitudes towards women’s equality and emancipation. Whilst some may feel that ‘all battles have been won for women,’ the work of the Commission for Domestic Violence demonstrates that this is not so.

There are women out there still experiencing violence, both physical and psychological, women who are met with fists and insults instead of bouquets of mimosas. Hence, the Commission for Domestic Violence commemorates International Women’s Day, acknowledges the progress made, and reminds all that there is still a long way to go… Lack of full equality within society and power imbalance between the genders continues to contribute to maintaining violence against women, including domestic violence.

Domestic Violence is a criminal act severely undermining the human right to life and to physical and psychological integrity. It has devastating consequences not only on those who experience it directly themselves but also on other family members, including children. The Commission for Domestic Violence has taken up various initiatives to address this phenomenon, including emphasising the need for an integrated, multidisciplinary approach, focusing also on prevention and early detection as was put forward at its Seminar on the 20th November 2009, entitled ‘An Integrated Approach to Domestic Violence.’ The Commission is also planning a national media campaign over the next year and a half, as part of an ESF funded project.

International Women’s Day is not only important to celebrate the successes of women but also to educate and inform society of the violence and abuse that still exist and women have to face. To this end the Commission for Domestic Violence is taking this opportunity to launch its Reference Library which will be open to the general public on Tuesdays from 10 am to 12.30 pm at its premises in Block C, Belt is-Sebh Floriana.

For further information one may contact the Commission on telephone number 2568 7251 or send an email to domesticviolence@gov.mt One may also visit the website www.domesticviolence.gov.mt.

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