Victim Support Malta, Faculty for Social Wellbeing concerned by lack of State services

Faculty's Dean Dr. Andrew Azzopardi warned that adequate funding of NGOs is required if they are to continue “filling gaps in service delivery, which, on both a moral and statutory level, should be provided by the State.”

 The Faculty for Social Wellbeing and Victim Support Malta have expressed concern at the fact that NGOs are still providing key services that should be provided by the State.

In a statement released this afternoon, the Faculty's Dean Dr. Andrew Azzopardi warned that adequate funding of NGOs is required if they are to continue “filling gaps in service delivery, which, on both a moral and statutory level, should be provided by the State.”

Meetings between the Faculty for Social Wellbeing and Victim Support Malta have been held with a view to strengthening cooperation between the two organisations, he said.

Pointing to recent reports of the murder of a 41 year old woman, the Faculty pointing out that an estimated 17,000 crimes in total and specifically 1,000 cases of domestic violence are reported to the police every year.

The meeting between the Faculty and this estimable NGO explored the possibility of involving key stakeholders in shaping future educational collaborations, including possible joint research projects aimed at “contributing towards more evidence-based policy development to keep struggling against the scourge of criminality.”

“The Faculty for Social Wellbeing, whilst recognizes that the Government has an array of priorities, feels that it is imperative that the State keeps to its commitment and support victims of violence as per statutory obligations,” Azzopardi said.

The Faculty called on the relevant policy makers to work together with front line NGOs in order to ensure the continuity and sustainability of these services and the protection of its citizens.