In the heart of Valletta, at the bustling St. George’s Square, a woman clutches her bag a little tighter as she walks past the grand law courts. Unbeknownst to passersby, she’s mustering courage to report her partner’s abuse. This is the stark reality for many Maltese women, and local NGO Momentum is stepping up to make their journey to justice smoother.

Momentum, a leading voice in Malta’s fight against gender-based violence, has presented three proposals to bolster support for domestic violence survivors. The plans, unveiled at a press conference in the NGO’s Floriana office, aim to plug gaps in the current system and provide victims with comprehensive care.

Momentum’s first proposal is a 24/7 helpline, staffed by trained professionals who can provide immediate support and guidance. Currently, victims have to rely on limited services, with the national helpline only operating during office hours. A dedicated hotline would ensure that survivors can access help at any time, from the safety of their homes.

“We’ve heard too many stories of women who needed help in the dead of night, only to find no one to turn to,” says Dr. Maria Attard, Momentum’s director. “A 24/7 helpline would be a lifeline for many.”

Momentum’s second proposal addresses the critical need for safe accommodation. Currently, there are only a handful of refuge spaces in Malta, often filled to capacity. This forces many survivors to remain in abusive situations or seek refuge with friends and family, putting them at risk of further harm.

Momentum proposes the establishment of safe houses in strategic locations across Malta, equipped to accommodate both survivors and their children. These spaces would provide not just shelter, but also access to counseling, legal aid, and other support services.

“We want to create spaces where women can heal, away from their abusers, with their children by their side,” says Dr. Attard. “It’s about providing a holistic, nurturing environment for recovery.”

Momentum’s final proposal focuses on beefing up legal support for survivors. The process of navigating the legal system can be daunting and overwhelming, often deterring victims from pursuing justice. Momentum wants to change this by providing dedicated legal representation and support throughout the court process.

“We want to ensure that every survivor has access to a lawyer who understands their unique challenges and can guide them through the legal maze,” says Dr. Attard. “This isn’t just about winning cases; it’s about empowering women to take control of their lives.”

Momentum is now calling on the government, legal professionals, and the public to rally behind these proposals. “This is not a Momentum fight,” says Dr. Attard. “This is a fight for every woman in Malta who deserves to live free from fear and violence.”

As the woman in Valletta continues her journey, she passes by the Grandmaster’s Palace, a symbol of Malta’s resilience. Let’s hope that, with Momentum’s proposals, we can build a Malta where every woman can find her own strength and resilience, free from the shackles of abuse.