Gozitan priests running domestic violence shelter in funds’ appeal

Labour leader Joseph Muscat's visit in Gozo continued with a tour of the Debono Printing Press in Xewkija and a visit to the first shelter for victims of domestic violence in the island's capital of Rabat.

Dar Emmaus, a project by Fondazzjoni Kenn u Tamma, is the first shelter to be opened in Gozo to provide a roof for victims of domestic violence. The shelter is expected to start operating in three or four months' time.

Foundation chairman Mgr Joe Vella Gauci and director Fr Michael Xuereb appealed for aid from government in the provision of a housekeeper, manager, care worker and social worker.

The priests said their project had only been made possible through financial aid from the Malta Community Chest Fund, which had donated €30,000 to the €500,000 project, apart from having committed another €50,000 to the home and donations from Tumas group.

Two years ago, the foundation had also requested to benefit from the Good Causes Fund while two and a half years ago it requested for a tax refund on the property purchased. But so far there had been no reply from government.

"The aim is not to only provide a shelter for those who need it but to also help them gain back their dignity," Vella Gauci said.

Another service the shelter will offer is for separated parents to pick up their children from Dar Emmaus, instead of having children dropped off at police stations.

"Although we have received help from the community chest fund, it is not enough," he said, while taking Muscat for having visited them.

Vella Gauci also said the home would be filling a void while suggesting that Maltese should feel comfortable in seeking shelter in Gozo.

But the priests also expressed concern at the reluctance of Gozitans to speak out on their problems. "Gozitans are not like Maltese... they are introverted. Cases of domestic violence remain hidden," Xuereb said.

Reacting to their concerns, Labour leader Joseph Muscat said there was commitment across the board to fight domestic violence. "Domestic violence is a scourge which we are committed to fight. We should not only provide a shelter to help the victims but also help the aggressor realise that violence doesn't make you a man," Muscat said.

He said he didn't agree with a blank tax exemption but believed that tax exemption should be project-based.

Earlier, during the visit at the printing press, Muscat reiterated a Labour's government commitment to enact a Family Business Act, which he said was a proposal put forward by the association of family businesses.