Momentum Proposes Three-Way Plan to Combat Domestic Violence in Malta

In the heart of Valletta, a woman walks briskly, her eyes darting nervously. She’s not checking the time or the weather; she’s checking if she’s being followed. This isn’t a scene from a movie, but a reality for many women in Malta. Domestic violence is a silent epidemic that’s been plaguing our communities for far too long.

Momentum, a local NGO dedicated to supporting victims of domestic violence, has recently proposed three innovative solutions to tackle this pressing issue. Their proposals, presented to the government and other stakeholders, aim to strengthen support systems, enhance protection, and ultimately, save lives.

Momentum’s first proposal, the ‘Safe Exit Plan’, focuses on providing victims with immediate, practical support. This includes setting up safe houses in strategic locations across Malta and Gozo, like the old St. Catherine’s School in Birkirkara, which could be repurposed to provide temporary accommodation. These safe houses would offer not just shelter, but also counseling services, legal aid, and job training to help victims rebuild their lives.

“We need to make it easier for victims to leave abusive situations,” says Dr. Maria Attard, Momentum’s director. “Safe houses are a start, but they’re just one piece of the puzzle.”

Momentum’s second proposal calls for a comprehensive overhaul of Malta’s Domestic Violence Act. They’re advocating for stricter penalties for perpetrators, mandatory training for law enforcement officers, and better protection for victims throughout the legal process.

“The current act has its flaws,” explains Dr. Attard. “We need to close these loopholes and ensure that our laws are a deterrent, not a slap on the wrist.”

Momentum’s final proposal is the creation of a centralized Domestic Violence Register. This would be a secure, confidential database accessible only to authorized personnel, tracking incidents of domestic violence across Malta. This would help identify trends, allocate resources more effectively, and provide better support to victims.

“We need a broad approach to tackle domestic violence,” says Dr. Attard. “A register would give us the data we need to make informed decisions and save lives.”

Momentum’s proposals are a step in the right direction, but they’re just the beginning. We all have a role to play in ending domestic violence. It’s time to stand up, speak out, and support our fellow Maltese. Let’s make our communities safe, one step at a time.

As Dr. Maria Attard puts it, “Domestic violence is everyone’s business. It’s time we start acting like it.”