The Commission for Domestic Violence organised a seminar with the theme ‘Impact of Domestic Violence on your Business’ for employers, in order to sensitise owners, directors and managers on how domestic violence may affect their business and employees at their workplace. This seminar was organised as part of a project called “Dignity for Domestic Violence Survivors,” co-financed through the European Social Fund.

“The need to further educate employers, directors and managers on domestic violence in Malta is very high,” said Renee Laviera, a key expert on the subject. She referred to studies carried out on the prevalence of domestic violence in Malta, explained how domestic violence could impact on employment, and gave practical advice on where employers should turn to when seeking support. Ms. Maronia Avellino elaborated on the support services and programmes offered by ETC to employers, when recruiting such persons.

The seminar gave employers the opportunity to commit themselves to a workplace policy on domestic violence, inviting them to commit to provide a work environment that is free from violence or threats of violence against individuals. Through this policy, employees would be encouraged to conduct themselves in a non-violent and non-physically threatening or intimidating manner. Additionally, they would also be encouraged to be alert to, and inform appropriate management personnel of, any behaviour which they believe in good faith violates or could constitute a violation of the policy.

The Chairperson of the Commission for Domestic Violence, Mrs Joanna Xuereb, concluded the seminar. She laid stress on the importance of offering employment to domestic violence survivors. Mrs Xuereb thanked all those who worked to support victims and urged all the professionals to cooperate with each other so that the services offered will continue to improve.

Photo – Joanna Xuereb, Chairperson of the Commission for Domestic Violence.

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