'One billion rising' on Valentine's eve to raise awareness on domestic violence

Any plans for Valentine’s day? Join Victim Support Malta and participate in the world's biggest mass event aimed at raising awareness on the need to end violence against women.

‘One billion rising’ is an international campaign, stemming from the realisation that one in three women on the planet will be beaten, raped or abused during their lifetime. Over a world population of seven billion, this adds up to more than one billion women and girls.

Every year on Valentine’s Day people all over the world come together to express their outrage, strike, dance, and rise demanding an end to violence against women.

One of the most common forms of violence suffered by women and girls is domestic violence.

As defined in the Domestic Violence Act, adopted in 2006, domestic violence is: “any act of violence, even if only verbal, perpetrated by a household member upon another household member and includes any omission which causes physical or moral harm to the other”.

While most people would think of domestic violence as physical abuse, the legal definition includes emotional violence - such as insults, debasement, threats - sexual coercion and any act or behaviour restricting a person’s freedom. Domestic violence often thrives in fear, powerlessness and secrecy.

In Malta, about one thousand cases of domestic violence are reported each year to the police. Not all cases are brought to the attention of the authorities, with many abuses and injustices remaining uncovered and adding up to the so-called ‘dark figure of crime’.

In the past few years Malta has witnessed a steady rise in the number of domestic violence reported cases. In part, this is the result of a law introduced in 2006, and victim’s growing confidence in the authorities. Although this is an encouraging trend, victims continue to be misunderstood, their experiences of grief and suffering are seldom underplayed and they often face many barriers preventing them from coming forward and seeking help.

Raising awareness on the issue of violence against women is one of the most effective means to help overcome these barriers.

Another issue requiring urgent attention is that of sexual violence, a crime in relation to which women and girls are particularly vulnerable. In this regard, a strong, unequivocal and concerted effort is required in order to prevent violence in the first place, mitigate the negative effects brought about by this atrocious crime, and also eliminate the re-victimisation that is suffered by victims through their contact with the authorities.

Myths and stereotypes, and victim-blaming need to be eradicated once and for all.

If you care about having a say and making a difference, join Victim Support for the ONE BILLION RISING at Piazza Tigne', Sliema, on February, 14th, 2016 at 4.00pm. Listen. Act. Rise.

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