Momentum Proposes Three Measures to Combat Domestic Violence in Malta
In the heart of Valletta, at the bustling St. George’s Square, a woman hurriedly crosses the street, her eyes darting, a subtle tension in her shoulders. She’s not alone. According to the National Statistics Office, one in four women in Malta has experienced physical or sexual violence by a partner. Today, a local NGO is stepping up to change that.
Momentum’s Call to Action
Momentum, a leading Maltese NGO dedicated to supporting victims of domestic violence, has proposed three concrete measures to strengthen the nation’s response to this pressing issue. The proposals, outlined in a recent policy paper, aim to enhance protection, improve support services, and increase awareness.
Strengthening Protection: The Legal Front
Momentum’s first proposal focuses on bolstering legal protections for victims. The NGO suggests amending the Domestic Violence Act to include a provision for automatic protection orders. Currently, victims must apply for these orders, a process that can be daunting and time-consuming. Automatic orders would ensure immediate protection, providing victims with crucial breathing space to seek further support.
Momentum proposes expanding the definition of domestic violence to include economic abuse. This would acknowledge the financial control often exerted by abusers, a form of violence that can trap victims in cycles of dependency and fear.
Enhancing Support: Holistic Care
Beyond legal protections, Momentum advocates for a more broad approach to supporting victims. The NGO suggests establishing a network of specialist domestic violence services, including safe houses, counseling services, and legal aid. This network would be modeled on successful international initiatives, providing victims with comprehensive, wraparound support.
Momentum also proposes integrating domestic violence support into existing healthcare services. This would ensure that victims, often already dealing with physical and psychological trauma, have easy access to the help they need. The NGO points to the success of similar initiatives in the UK and Ireland as evidence of this approach’s potential.
Raising Awareness: Education and Prevention
Prevention is another key aspect of Momentum’s proposals. The NGO suggests incorporating domestic violence education into school curricula, teaching children and young adults about healthy relationships and the warning signs of abuse. This would not only empower young people to recognize and avoid abusive situations but also foster a culture of respect and consent.
Momentum also proposes a public awareness campaign, modeled on successful international initiatives like the UK’s ‘This is Abuse’ campaign. This campaign would use relatable, real-life scenarios to challenge societal norms that tolerate or trivialise domestic violence.
: A Collective Effort
Momentum’s proposals are a call to action, not just for policymakers, but for all of us. Domestic violence is a complex issue that requires a collective response. It’s on us to challenge harmful attitudes, support victims, and demand better protections. As Dr. Maria Attard, Momentum’s director, puts it, “We all have a role to play in ending domestic violence. It’s time we stand up and be counted.”
