The Commission on Domestic Violence notes with great sadness the recent abuses on women. Every time tragedy strikes in this way we are reminded that although we do have various services in Malta to combat domestic violence and to help those that experience it, we still need to do better!

It is not acceptable to sit back on our laurels whilst these sorts of things still happen in our society. The different systems who come into contact with domestic violence, whether part of the welfare, health, police, courts etc. also need to be more skilled in working even closer together to find better ways forward and to better safeguard women who may be going through such difficult situations.

Notwithstanding various attempts to raise general awareness about domestic violence, to try to bring home the message that violence is never acceptable, that women should not have to put up with abusive behaviour and that help is available, still we appear not to have succeeded in reaching the women out there, in our society, neighbours, friends, family members, all those women (and their children) that live with abuse as an everyday reality… This is the fight that we all have to take up.

The Commission on Domestic Violence will persevere in its work, but each and every one of us, members of this, our society, must also rise and say NO! this is not acceptable. Help us help the people who are in this situation, help us help them to help themselves.

As a society we need to become more aware of the every-day tragedies that occur behind closed doors. We need to be clear that there is zero tolerance to domestic violence. It is never justified or excusable. We need to speak out to change the mentality that allows such events to occur. All of us, women and men, are worthy of dignity. All of us have a right to a life free from violence of any type, whether physical or emotional. As a society we cannot sit back and ignore such events.

Anyone who may be experiencing abuse can call Supportline 179, a free and confidential telephone help-line. Reports can also be made to the police by the people involved or by third parties.

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