Momentum’s Call to Action: Three Proposals to Aid Domestic Violence Survivors in Malta

Imagine, for a moment, the quiet desperation of a woman trapped in an abusive relationship. Now, picture her finding the courage to leave, only to face another daunting challenge: navigating the complex maze of legal and social services. This is the reality many domestic violence survivors in Malta face, but local NGO Momentum is pushing for change with three practical proposals.

Understanding the scene: Domestic Violence in Malta

Malta’s domestic violence scene is complex and often hidden. According to the National Statistics Office, in 2020, 17% of women and 4% of men reported having experienced some form of intimate partner violence since the age of 15. Yet, these figures are believed to be just the tip of the iceberg, with many cases going unreported due to fear, shame, or lack of trust in the system.

Momentum, a leading NGO working to prevent and combat domestic violence, has been at the forefront of advocating for survivors and pushing for policy changes. Their latest proposals aim to streamline services, enhance protection, and empower survivors.

Proposal 1: A One-Stop Centre for Survivors

Momentum’s first proposal is the establishment of a one-stop centre for domestic violence survivors. Currently, victims must navigate a labyrinth of services, from the police to social workers, legal aid, and support groups. This fragmentation can be overwhelming and hinders the healing process.

Momentum envisions a centre where all these services are under one roof, ideally located in a discreet, easily accessible location like the old Mater Dei Hospital building in Msida. Here, survivors could find immediate support, legal aid, counseling, and temporary accommodation, all in one place.

Proposal 2: Mandatory Training for Frontline Workers

Momentum’s second proposal focuses on equipping frontline workers with the necessary skills to identify and respond effectively to domestic violence cases. This includes police officers, healthcare professionals, social workers, and teachers.

The NGO suggests mandatory training programs to sensitize these professionals to the complexities of domestic violence and to equip them with the tools to provide appropriate support. This could be modeled after successful programs like the UK’s Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Honour-Based Violence (DASH) training.

Proposal 3: A National Domestic Violence Strategy

Momentum’s final proposal is the development of a comprehensive national strategy to tackle domestic violence. This would involve all stakeholders, from government ministries to NGOs and the private sector, working together towards a common goal.

A strategy would provide a clear roadmap for action, ensuring that resources are targeted effectively and that progress is monitored and evaluated. It would also send a strong signal that domestic violence is a priority issue for Malta.

Momentum’s Call to Action

Momentum’s proposals are not just about policy changes; they are about creating a society where survivors of domestic violence find support, not stigma. They are about ensuring that no one has to choose between their safety and navigating a complex system.

As we mark the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, let’s make Momentum’s call to action our own. Let’s push for these proposals, let’s support survivors, and let’s create a Malta where domestic violence is not just a statistic, but a thing of the past.

“We can’t change the past, but we can shape the future. Let’s make sure that future is one where domestic violence survivors find support, not barriers,” says Dr. Simone Vella, Director of Momentum.