The Commission on Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence inaugurates its new offices and establishes collaboration with UoM’s Faculty for Social Wellbeing
Minister for Equality, Research and Innovation Owen Bonnici inaugurated the new premises of the Commission on Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence at Zentrum Business Centre, Mdina Road, Qormi.
The minister praised the efforts of the Commission for its commitment towards increasing awareness about the very painful issues of gender-based and domestic violence.
Minister Bonnici said that, “We need to persist in shedding light on this serious issue, that has been treated as a taboo for far too long, causing victims and their families to suffer often in silence with no hope of a better life. It is crucial that we spread the information that help is available, and encourage victims to speak up and ask for the help they need to break this vicious cycle.”
“The opening of the Commission’s new offices is an important step towards realizing the goals set by the National Strategy for Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence (2021-2022)”, continued Minister Bonnici.
During the same event, the minister also presided over the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Commission on Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence and the Faculty of Social Wellbeing, within the University of Malta.
“The agreement being signed today is a very important one, because it will enhance our knowledge and awareness of the effects of domestic violence on those who experience it and witness it in their daily lives. The more research-based knowledge we have, the better equipped we will be to fight this plague and help those who fall victims”, stated the minister.
Commissioner on Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence Audrey Friggieri said that her mantra remains that silence is not golden and speaking up on violence in a structured and evidence-based way will encourage more individuals to come forward with their situation, which is the ultimate aim of such collaborations.
This agreement marks the start of a new collaboration between these two entities, who are deeply committed towards contributing to research projects, both at national and at international level, in order to not only increase awareness about gender-based violence and domestic violence in Malta, but also to better inform policy-makers and professional associations on the matter, especially on how these affect children.
Contact details
Address: Commission on Domestic Violence and Gender-Based Violence, Zentrum Business Centre, Mdina Road, Qormi, Malta
Tel: +356 2327 9130
Email: stopviolence@gov.mt
Source: Office of the Prime Minister