I refer to ‘Domestic violence is not taken seriously’ by Dr Anna Mallia in MaltaToday (Wednesday 22 July).
Agenzija Appogg is in agreement with certain statements by Dr Mallia. However, misleading information about Agenzija Appogg in the same article needs some clarification.
Dr Mallia mentions that “the freephone regarding child and domestic abuse stopped for lack of funds”. This statement is totally unfounded since the Appogg Supportline 179 is still available on a 24-hour basis and to date, is still referring and guiding callers according to their specific needs, be it about domestic violence, child abuse and several other presenting problems.
In fact, between January and June 2009, a total of 4,296 genuine calls were made to Supportline 179, of which 173 were related to domestic violence and 188 related to child abuse. Calls to Supportline 179 can be made either by the victim or by anyone who wants to report such abuse.
Persons calling on Supportline 179, coming personally to the Appogg offices or referred in any other way, are supported and guided regarding their situation. Their needs are assessed by professionals and then referred to specialised services, both if they are the victim of abuse or the perpetrator. Appogg offers three specialised services in the field of domestic violence:
1) the Domestic Violence Unit, which provides quality social work service to adults victims of domestic violence in family and intimate relationships. It supports and empowers the person being abused, helps to find emergency shelter when requested, and refers its service users to any other necessary and appropriate service;
2) the Perpetrators’ Service, assists men who are abusive in intimate relationships to develop awareness and assume responsibility for their behaviour;
3) Ghabex Shelter, is an emergency shelter for women victims of domestic violence and their children.
Dr Mallia also alleges that Appogg “is very poorly equipped to deal with the complaints they receive”. Regardless of very limited human and financial resources, all domestic violence cases referred to Appogg are assessed, dealt with and given the due attention. Between January and December 2008, the Domestic Violence Service dealt with 972 cases, Ghabex Emergency Shelter dealt with 70 cases and 118 men were in contact with the Agency’s Perpetrators’ Service. These figures also show that Dr Mallia’s statement that “whoever goes to Appogg and alleges domestic violence, is urged to leave home and find shelter” is also unfounded.
When victims of domestic violence initiate contact with Agenzija Appogg, they are referred to the Domestic Violence Unit. Together with the social worker assigned to the case, a care plan is devised which would see that victims and their children have a plan for a safe future while meeting their material, social and psychological needs; they are guided to rediscover their skills and self esteem; while through consultancy with a legal advisor, they are also guided regarding their legal rights. Only in certain cases the situation requires that the victims and their children leave the family home and seek shelter elsewhere. While the professionals within the Domestic Violence Unit support the victim in her situation and in ensuring her and her children's safety, the decision on whether to leave the family home or not is always that of the victim herself.
With the introduction of the Domestic Violence Act in early 2006, the law has made it possible for anyone to report cases of domestic violence and now we can see more people coming forward to the services, both by self-referral and also from the Police. Appogg staff also delivers training to members of the Police Force about issues related to domestic violence. Appogg also commends the amendments in the law which now incorporates a more extensive meaning of what constitutes domestic violence (now including emotional, physical, sexual and financial abuse, together with harassment and stalking) and encourages further enforcement of the legislation.
Victims of domestic violence are encouraged to speak out to a family member and/or friend and to immediately seek help by calling Agenzija Appogg on Supportline 179 (available 24-hours a day) or on 2295 9000. Those who know about cases of abuse are also encouraged to report such cases.
Rosalie Vella Piscopo,
Communications Officer
Foundation for Social Welfare Services
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