Momentum’s Three-Point Plan to Fortify Support for Domestic Violence Survivors in Malta

Picture this: a woman, let’s call her Maria, quietly slips out of her apartment in Msida, leaving behind a life marred by fear and uncertainty. She’s not alone; many Maltese women, like Maria, are battling domestic violence. Now, local NGO Momentum is stepping up with a three-pronged proposal to strengthen support for these survivors.

Understanding the scene: Domestic Violence in Malta

Malta’s domestic violence scene is complex. According to the National Statistics Office, in 2020, 1 in 5 women experienced physical or sexual violence from a partner. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this, with reports of increased violence against women worldwide, including in Malta. Yet, many cases go unreported due to fear, stigma, or lack of support.

Momentum, a leading NGO advocating for women’s rights, is calling for urgent action. Their proposals aim to bolster existing services, increase accessibility, and enhance prevention efforts.

Proposal 1: Expanding Safe House Capacity

Momentum’s first proposal targets safe houses, temporary shelters that provide immediate safety and support for survivors. Currently, Malta has two safe houses, both operated by NGOs. However, demand often outstrips supply, with women and children sometimes having to wait for a space to open up.

“We need more safe houses, and they need to be strategically located,” says Dr. Simone Borg, Momentum’s Director. “We’re proposing a third safe house in the south of Malta, closer to where many survivors live, and more spaces in existing ones.”

Proposal 2: Integrated Support Services

Access to comprehensive support is crucial for survivors. Momentum’s second proposal advocates for integrated support services, bringing together legal, psychological, and practical assistance under one roof. This would reduce the burden on survivors, who often have to navigate multiple agencies for help.

Momentum envisions a one-stop shop, perhaps in a central location like Valletta, where survivors could access all these services. “We want to make the journey to recovery smoother and less daunting,” explains Dr. Borg.

Proposal 3: Prevention through Education

Momentum’s final proposal focuses on prevention. They’re calling for mandatory relationship education in schools, teaching students about healthy relationships, consent, and warning signs of abuse. This, they believe, could help prevent future generations from becoming perpetrators or victims.

“Education is key to changing mindsets,” says Dr. Borg. “We want to see relationship education as a core part of the curriculum, starting from an early age.”

: Momentum’s Call to Action

Momentum is urging the government to adopt these proposals, and the public to support them. “We all have a role to play in ending domestic violence,” says Dr. Borg. “We need everyone – from policymakers to our neighbors – to stand up and say, ‘Not in our community. Not on our watch.'”

Maria, our Msida woman, deserves a life free from fear. So do thousands of other Maltese women. Momentum’s proposals offer a roadmap to making that a reality.