Updated| New measures against domestic violence kick-start 16-day awareness campaign

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat has praised the "unknown soliders" who work behind the scenes with victims of domestic violence, calling them "the unsung heroes of society."

"We owe it to them as a society, to treat them as best possible," Muscat said, as he was addressing a gathering outside parliament marking international domestic violence awareness day.  

Muscat also encouraged women who feel harassed at their workplace to speak up, saying the "culture of unacceptabllility of harassment" must be strengthened.

He reacted to the launch of a national strategy on gender-based violence and domestic violence with satisfaction, adding that he was happy to see that the strategy also addresses the aggressors.

Earlier today, equality Minister Helena Dalli this morning launched a national strategy on gender-based violence and domestic violence. The strategy is aimed at tackling the causes and assisting the victims of domestic violence in a more effective way than before. 

The proposals are divided into two groups: one part is a gender-based violence and domestic violence strategy, and the other an action plan involving measures against violence, monitoring and evaluation.

The policy paper comes at a time of increased government activity on the issue of domestic violence. On Wednesday, Dalli unveiled a 16-day awareness campaign aimed at highlighting the plight of victims. The campaign titled ‘Love Does Not Hurt - 16 Days of Activism’ aims to put the issue on the national agenda. The theme challenges the myth that domestic violence is a result of love within a household.

The new law on domestic violence is at second reading stage in Parliament. This should bring Malta in line with the Istanbul Convention Against Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence. “It is useless to ratify conventions without having the domestic laws to give them effect,” Dalli said.

Despite the work done, “there is always more to be done. Violence is with us and will stay with us... we must work to prevent it as much as possible,” Dalli said.

“This will be achieved  through education, having the right structures to assist victims and having the mechanisms to help victims make progress as well as support for victims who leave abusive relationships.”

She thanked all stakeholders for playing a part in the development of the strategy. “Unless there is coordination we would get less than what we invested. We must continue to grow our resources to continue working and raising awareness on this issue.”

“We are working in a sector which is the least reported – only a small percentage of domestic violence is reported. However we have seen an improvement in reporting rates. People are realising that they are not alone and there is help for them.”

Another important aspect is working on the perpetrators of domestic violence, she said. “If you are a person who wants to resolve an argument in that manner you need help.” This will be addressed through anger management and other therapies, she explained.

“It’s useless to have them find another partner and do the same.”

Yada dancers perform dance meant to represent cycle of domestic violence

Violence can be physical, emotional or even financial Dalli reminded. “It’s a question of i’m stronger than you, physically, emotionally or financially then I can use violence to coerce you.”

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat in audience, as dancers engage in performance depicting the cycle of domestic abuse

The minister expressed her satisfaction with what has been achieved so far, but said she would not be sitting on her laurels. “It is just the beginning of what we need to do in this sector... it is never acceptable to have citizens unable to reach their full potential because  of violence.”

Live performance meant to represent cycle of domestic violence

Republic Street echoed to the dramatic strains of Hans Zimmer’s Inception theme as dancers from Yada dance company performed a dance specially choreographed for the occasion.

Yada’s director Felix Busuttil told the MaltaToday that the performance, which the company had been working on for the past six weeks, symbolised the vicious cycle of domestic violence in relationships - both heterosexual and those between people of the same sex.

The dance ends on a hopeful note, Busuttil said, with the protagonist succeeding in breaking the cycle and finding peace.